[Python-Dev] 2.7 Release? 2.7 == last of the 2.x line?

[Larry Bugbee]

This is my problem to solve...  I work with a lot of [non-production]  
crypto where byte strings are a normal way of manipulating and storing  
keys and other artifacts.  Under Python2 I have few/no Unicode  
issues.  With Python3's default string type being Unicode, there are a  
lot of subtle ways where my codes go south.  Like I say, it is my  
problem.

I will convert to Py3, but not likely before summer.  Besides 2to3,  
any other tools/suggestions would be welcome.  (Perhaps there is a  
Master switch to disable Unicode? ;-)

Changing the subject...  I say -1 on backporting more 3.x features to  
2.6/2.7.  As previously mentioned, leave the carrot.  And best  
intentions aside, backports can introduce problems of their own.