Re: Explicit default duration?

[David Kastrup]

Jean Abou Samra <jean@abou-samra.fr> writes:

> On 22/01/2023 23:38, David Kastrup wrote:
>> 
>> There are situations where sticking with the default duration may make
>> sense when something looking like (or being) an explicit duration may
>> follow.
>> 
>> Like when switching pitches (or to rest) but not wanting to change the
>> default duration.
>> 
>> Like
>> 
>> \drums { tamb 4. 8 4 r | 4. 8 4 r }
>> 
>> in situations where there _isn't_ something like | to put between r and
>> 4. (here).
>> 
>> Since it should act as a shorthand, it should be short to enter.  I
>> thought of
>> 
>> \drums { tamb 4. 8 4 r0 4. 8 4 r0 }
>> 
>> That provides no conflict with the grammar (as the syntax is not
>> affected, just the interpretation).
>> 
>> 0 has no extra cost in terms of syntax but seems weird.  A superficial
>> look at the ASCII table did not suggest an obvious other choice to me.
>
>
>
>
> My knee-jerk reaction is a bit of skepticism on an explicit
> default duration being more ergonomic than just repeating the
> previous duration.

The "previous duration" may not be readily accessible when working with
#{ ... #} or similar.

We have q for "repeat last chord with default duration" and 4 for
"repeat last pitch with specific duration" but not "repeat last pitch
with default duration".

> Did you think about this while entering a score that you would have
> been sensibly easier to write that way?

"Sensibly" is not synonymous with "for lack of alternatives" in my book.

-- 
David Kastrup