Introduction of 'Nutrition facts' for Elixir meta-programming

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Introduction of 'Nutrition facts' for Elixir meta-programming

Source: elixirforum.com

Type: Discussion

In Elixir community news, José Valim initiated a discussion emphasizing the importance of transparency in the impacts of using meta-programming constructs in Elixir libraries, specifically the 'use SomeModule' pattern. Recognizing that the advantages of 'use' as a common extension point can sometimes obscure the changes it introduces to the calling code, Valim has proposed a solution akin to 'Nutrition facts' labels commonly found on food products. This would involve library authors including a summary within the initial section of the '@moduledoc' for every module that can be used, describing its effects. This transition aims to make the consequences of incorporating a module via 'use' more transparent and well-documented. The Elixir standard library has already implemented this recommendation as a template for the community. Valim's call to action suggests that the library authors in the Elixir ecosystem follow suit to improve code clarity and accessibility.

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