I am not sure where I read this, but AFAIR it's from "The practice of programming" from Pike and Kernighan (1). The suggestion circumventing this was to not use a space before the assignment, i.e.:
"a= b;" instead of "a = b;"
I have been doing this constantly in all C-style languages and derivatives and never had any problems using this. This is probably less invasive that your initial suggestion and preserves readability/the usual style.
[1]: To anybody who knows this, too: I am really, really, really unsure where I read that and it's been about 15 long years since I have been doing it, so any correction is much appreciated.
"a= b;" instead of "a = b;"
I have been doing this constantly in all C-style languages and derivatives and never had any problems using this. This is probably less invasive that your initial suggestion and preserves readability/the usual style.
[1]: To anybody who knows this, too: I am really, really, really unsure where I read that and it's been about 15 long years since I have been doing it, so any correction is much appreciated.