ietf-mta-filters
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variables and side-effects of tests

2003-05-10 13:26:51
Hi!

From RFC3028:
2.5.     Tests

<snip>

   Tests MUST NOT have side effects.  That is, a test cannot affect the
   state of the filter or message.  No tests in this specification have
   side effects, and side effects are forbidden in extension tests as
   well.

   The rationale for this is that tests with side effects impair
   readability and maintainability and are difficult to represent in a
   graphic interface for generating scripts.  Side effects are confined
   to actions where they are clearer.

So the variables extension, as it stands, violates this MUST, since the 
numerical variables are set as a side-effect of a test with :matches 
match type. :-(

What now?

Marc

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