from PEP 238, rev 1.12:

A unified numeric model removes most of the user's need to be aware of different numerical types. This is.good for beginners, but also takes away concerns about different numeric behavior for advanced programmers.

FWIW, I think in here is a precise enough to be useful word for what I have always identified as the prime CP4E constituency - the "beginner". Someone at the early stages of a process. But within a process - formal or informal. Very different implications from the word "non-programmer" which, IMO, has very unfortunately been consistently used as a near synonym. I don't think that word has enough precision to be useful. And lack of language precision has been the real devil in all this, I happen to be quite convinced. With much less vehemence and confidence than I express the above opinion, I register my reservations about whether a unified numerical model is in the best interest of the beginner. Certainly I can see the "for" argument. Which is perhaps more consistent with a Programming for the Fun of It ideal, than is the source of my reservations. Reserve the right to mouth off only when a PEP addresses the needs of beginners as the *prime* motivation of a foundation level change. Trying to keep in mind that as Kirby says as to himself, I am not in the leadership - and it is the leadership with the track record, not me. ART