[R] function to compare lengths of objects?

[Spencer Graves]

       Is there a standard function to generate messages like "longer 
object length is not a multiple of shorter object length" but providing 
more information like the names of the objects?


       For example, "a/b" issues, "Warning message:  In a/b : longer 
object length is not a multiple of shorter object length" if the length 
of one is not a multiple of the other.  I want a utility to produce 
messages that include the lengths of "a" and "b" and other information.


       If you were to write such a function, what would you include in 
it?  Arguments?  Values?  Options?


       I started creating "compareLengths.Rd" with 
\usage{compareLengths(x, y, name.x=NULL, name.y=NULL, Source='', 
compFun=c('length', 'NROW'), action=c(comparable='', 
incomparable='warning'), maxChar=20, ...)} and \value{A character vector 
of length 2.  The first element is either 'equal', 'compatible' or 
'incompatible'.  The second element is the message composed for the 
desired "action".


       Thanks,
       Spencer Graves