Hi all,
It is perfectly to limit the concept of "length" to
* linear structures (lists, arrays, etc.) [branching structures do not have a length, they may have a size or maximum depth]
* which have variable length [why would you otherwise ask for the length?]
Just for the record, I could not agree more. Looking up "length", e.g. Merriam-Webster: 1a : the longer or longest dimension of an object What we really are talking about here is counting the number of elements in a data structure. That is clearly applicable to lists as well as trees and tuples interpreted in particular ways. But calling it "length" is not particularly helpful. Nor the effort to reappropriate the very concept of "length" through a categorical interpretation. It would have been a lot better if a name suggesting a sense of counting, or at least a name suggesting that this is something different than the usual length, would have been picked. Maybe elementcount or ever flength. Names matter. /Henrik This message and any attachment are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this message in error, please send it back to me, and immediately delete it. Please do not use, copy or disclose the information contained in this message or in any attachment. Any views or opinions expressed by the author of this email do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nottingham. This message has been checked for viruses but the contents of an attachment may still contain software viruses which could damage your computer system, you are advised to perform your own checks. Email communications with the University of Nottingham may be monitored as permitted by UK legislation.