Ternary Operator question..
 

Why doesn't this work:

variable ? function() : function2();

yet this does:

x = variable ? function() : function2();

The first example never gets processed. It's easier and neater than using

if (var) {
function();
}
else {
function2();
}

You've written it as if it were some sort of function. This is like doing
1+1;
It's just an operator.

I recommend you don't use the ternary operator for anything aside from simple substitutions. eg... (x>1? 0 : 1)
Its a very bad programming practice to use it as flow-control. It's not intended for that.

Why? It's only like a 2 line case statement.

It's much neater than either a case statement or if / else and has the same result.

You sacrifice code clarity for a few less characters. if(condition) this; else that; makes more sense than (condition? this : that) when you glance at your code. You shouldn't have to comment code that documents itself either.

There is a reason why ?: is considered an operator and not flow control. Because it isn't.

In reference to your original question, the compiler probably skips over statements that don't make sense like 1+1; Why waste CPU resources on some stand alone expression whose computed value is never used? The assumption the compiler makes is that (?:) is used for expressions, not for program flow. To act otherwise is dangerous, especially if the nature of the compiler changes, it may break your code.

Hmmm The compiler was skipping the operation, although it should may be changed so that it is more compatible to C/C++.