Virtual extension methods - syntax options

[Neal Gafter]

On Jun 11, 2010, at 6:07 PM, Howard Lovatt <howard.lovatt at gmail.com> wrote:

> *Brian Goetz* brian.goetz at oracle.com
> 
>> The answer is neither: the syntax is not set in stone, but we strongly
>> discourage ongoing discussions of syntax :)
> 
> Some sentiment along this line keeps on getting invoked. Since various
> discussions keep on coming back to the syntax, the lambdas themselves,
> extension methods, exception transparency, etc., I would suggest it is more
> important than you give it credit for. The syntax discussions can occur in
> parallel to the implementation discussions; in fact I would say that this is
> ideal, since if a workable syntax cannot be found there is no point in
> continuing with the implementation.
> 
> To make this concrete; I would suggest that if the syntax of variance (wild
> cards) was throughly investigated before the implementation or in parallel
> with the implementation then we wouldn't have variance today (which the
> wider community, and myself, think would be a good thing).

While you were not personally consulted, variance and its syntax was widely discussed both online and at conferences.  The syntax went through a few iterations before settling on the current form.  Your perception that it was widely criticized at the time doesn't match my recollection.