Basic Examples (7) 

Apply three functions (f, g and h) and three elements (a, b and c) to a seed (x):

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Use the 2-argument form to get the same result:

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If the number of functions is less than the number of elements, the functions will "rotate" round to fill out:

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If the number of functions is greater than the number of elements, some may not be used:

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Using an empty list of functions will return the list of elements along with the seed:

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Using an empty list of elements and no seed will return an empty list:

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Adding a seed effectively prevents the second list from being registered as empty:

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Scope (5) 

FoldRotate can take an arbitrary number of functions or elements:

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FoldRotate can take pure functions. The first slot (#1) refers to the current value (starting with the seed); the second slot (#2) refers to the element being folded in:

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Use Sow and Reap to get intermediary results (similar to how FoldList gets intermediary results for Fold):

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An iterator and piecewise function can be used in place of multiple functions:

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FoldRotate can be exited early with Throw. Use FoldRotate (along with Sow and Reap) to generate the nth partial sum in the series 1 + 2 × 3 + 4 × 5 + …:

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Exit early when the partial sum is a multiple of 7:

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Applications (1) 

Calculate alternating totals of a list:

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Properties and Relations (3) 

FoldRotate can be used to mimic the behaviour of Fold:

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In fact, if only one function is provided, FoldRotate (in its 3-argument form) reduces to Fold:

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In order to return an unevaluated expression, Defer (or HoldForm) must be used at every level:

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Evaluate the expression with a replacement rule:

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FoldRotate is generally slower than Fold, especially when using large number of functions:

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Possible Issues (3) 

FoldRotate takes either two or three arguments:

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The first and last arguments must be lists:

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Given no arguments at all, FoldRotate will not evaluate:

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Neat Examples (1) 

Create a nesting of frames cycling through three colours:

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