{ my %cache;

           sub compare_dates {
             ($cache{$a} ||= to_number($a)) <=>
             ($cache{$b} ||= to_number($b))
           }
         }

• Best of both worlds:

  • If numeric version is in cache, we get it instantly

  • Otherwise, we compute and install it

• Exactly 1,000 calls to to_number

• Joseph Hall calls this the Orcish Maneuver because its notable features are

  • The ||

  • and the cache

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Copyright © 1998 M-J. Dominus