jimthon: MATLAB array and range syntax macro for Python
This VSCode extension allows one to write simple MATLAB-style range and array syntax inside a .py Python file and convert immediately to valid Python syntax. This saves significant frustration for coders with a research background.
Just press the semicolon ";" key on the target line. Animation below shows example usage of the plugin, with VSCode Jupyter plugin (not required, but very nice if you hate browser-based Jupyterlab).
Known Issues
You will need to adjust the end argument when using Type-1 and Type-2 conversions (see above). MATLAB a:h:b is inclusive of b, whereas Python's range(a, b, h) is exclusive of b. There is really no general way to deal with this from the plugin's perspective, so this is something the user must deal with.
Type-1 conversions will convert, but will not run when using float arguments. This is the nature of Python, so you can mix Type-1 and Type-2 conversions (for x=[1:0.5:10]: becomes for x in np.arange(1, 10, 0.5):) if you really need this.
Don't try to get too complex, especially with parenthesis and square brackets.
Don't try this on matrix definitions such as [1 2 3; 4 5 6]. It won't work.
Don't try this when there is already an np. command on the same line. It won't do anything.
Don't use on multiple range/arrays on the same line. It won't work.
Don't use this when setting np.array slices such as a[:,:,0] = ... You are guaranteed to have problems.
The extension code is really ugly. Don't try to look at it. If you want to rewrite the extension, you can try some special regex cases, and send me a link to your extension :)
