Type resolution

Details how SIL determines the resulting type from operations involving multiple data types and resolves type conflicts.

When evaluating an operation, SIL follows this three-step type resolution process:

Step 1: Direct match	If the RHS type is valid for the operation, it proceeds immediately. The result is calculated as described in the operator table.
Step 2: Type conversion	When SIL encounters a convertible type on the right-hand side (RHS), it tries to convert it to valid types in the same order that valid types are listed in the Operatros reference tables. This is important because it determines which type conversion is attempted first. See Type conversion example below.
Step 3: Error handling	If the RHS type is neither valid nor convertible, the program stops with an error.

Type conversion example

Here’s a practical example for the + operator with LHS type number.

// Valid types (in order):
// 1. number
// 2. integer

number x = 10.5;        // LHS is number
x += "42";              // RHS is string (a convertible type)
//The attempted operation is to add 42 to x and assign the new value to x.

Here’s what happens:

The conversion attempt follows the order of valid types:

First, it tries to convert string (“42”) to a number and succeeds.
Conversion stops at first successful attempt (number); no further conversion is attempted.

If the first conversion failed, it would try the next valid type (integer). If the second conversion is successful, the operation is carried out.

Next, it carries the actual operation and adds 42 to 10.5.
If you ask for a return value, it will show 52.5.
runnerLog("After adding \"42\": " + x); // Prints result: After adding "42": 52.5

This ordered approach ensures consistent and predictable type conversion behavior in all SIL operations.

Automatic type conversion

Type conversion in SIL enables variables of different types to be automatically converted when using the assignment (=) operator. This conversion process happens when you assign a value of one type to a variable of another type. When you make such an assignment, the system automatically attempts to convert the source value into a format that matches the target type while keeping its original meaning. For example, when converting a number to an integer, the system preserves the basic numeric value while adapting it to fit integer requirements. To learn more, see Type conversion.

Power Suite Apps for Jira

Type resolution

Type conversion example

Automatic type conversion

Related content