Inline Function Calls

Currently, functions in KSL are defined internally in two ways, by the function body declaration or a forward declaration. In the case of a forward declaration, KSL will attempt to interpret the most likely return type. For example, if a function is called inside of an integer operation then it’s likely to be an integer. In order to override this behavior and define a return type for an inline function call you can use the derive keyword (->) on the function call. See below:

Example of inline call:

int x = add(1, 3) + 5;

Example of inline call w/ type hint:

int x = add(1, 3) -> int + 5;

Sometimes it can be easier to read if you move the type hint to right after the function:

int x = add(1, 3)->int + 5;

Important

You cannot use this syntax to change the function return type. If you wish to use a different type (post-return) then look into type casting. This is only to hint to the compiler what the expected return type is.

Important

Using this syntax to claim a function returns void for a function that returns an int will result in an unresolved symbol. The same applies for other type differences as well.

Similarly, if a function call doesn’t appear to have any context then KSL might assume it returns nothing (void.) This might cause an error so you can use the type hint syntax outside of algebraic operations as well.

Example:

add(1, 3) -> int;