Question 1

How to handle errors using Witchcraft monads in Elixir?

Accepted Answer

Witchcraft provides monadic abstractions like Maybe and Either via Algae or custom instances. Use operators like `>>>` for chaining operations that may fail, and refer to doctests for examples on building robust error-handling pipelines.

Question 2

Witchcraft vs Elixir's Monad library: which should I choose?

Accepted Answer

Witchcraft offers a comprehensive, Fantasy Land-aligned type class system with property-based testing, while Elixir's Monad library is simpler and less rigorous. Choose Witchcraft for full algebraic abstractions; opt for Monad if you need lightweight, basic monadic operations.

Question 3

Is Witchcraft production-ready for Elixir apps?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's used in production by sponsors like Robot Overlord and enforces correctness via compile-time checks. However, ensure your team is comfortable with the abstractions and operator overrides to avoid integration pitfalls.

Question 4

How to create a custom functor instance with Witchcraft?

Accepted Answer

Use the `definst` macro from TypeClass to define an instance for your struct, implementing the `map` function. Check the Algae library for reference implementations and ensure it passes the compile-time property checks.

Question 5

What are the performance impacts of using Witchcraft?

Accepted Answer

Witchcraft adds abstraction layers that may introduce minor overhead, but Elixir's BEAM VM optimizations help mitigate this. For critical paths, profile specific operations and consider using named functions over operators for clarity and performance.

Question 6

Can I use Witchcraft with Phoenix web framework?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Witchcraft can be integrated into Phoenix for business logic composition, but be cautious with operator overrides in views or controllers. It's best applied in context modules where functional abstractions enhance code declarativity.

Question 7

Witchcraft or Algae: when to use each?

Accepted Answer

Witchcraft provides the type class abstractions (e.g., Functor, Monad), while Algae offers algebraic data types that implement those classes. Use Witchcraft for the abstractions themselves, and Algae for pre-built data types or as a guide for custom instances.

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