Note 37: You can write the code also with the classic if-then-else statement, rather then using the initial assignment to the Result:

      if ItemIndex >= 0 then
      
  Result := Items [ItemIndex]

      else
      
  Result := '';

I tend to prefer setting uninitialized stack values, including local variables and results, even when it is not strictly required, because failing to do so at times results in hard-to-track errors.

To make the note understandable, here is the actual code in the book. Which style do you prefer?

Result := '';

      if ItemIndex >= 0 then
      
  Result := Items [ItemIndex];

This blog post is part of my "113 Delphi 2007 Handbook Notes" blogging project, to promote my new Delphi book.