Replacing 4 underscores with a $ sign, idea for a PEP
by karld＠beholdingeye.com
Hello good people of Python Dev!
My name is Karl and I have been a Python user since 2010, professionally since 2015. I belong to the "novice, non-technical" group of users, having got my start with programming in the 1990s using HyperTalk, possibly the easiest language of all, with the most English-like syntax. My move to Python in 2010 resulted from my move to Linux at that time. The "easy syntax, almost like pseudo code" assessment that is often repeated about Python was a big factor in choosing the language for the tools I wanted to build then. I've come a long way since those early days, but I will not forget how I got started.
However... To this day, I am bothered by the convention of certain names using 4 underscores - "__class__", "__init__", "__add__", etc. I find them foreboding and difficult to type. They are also difficult to debug because in many editors there is no space between two underscores, and it may not be immediately obvious whether there is one underscore or two, or even three. I am lucky enough to have no disabilities, but I imagine there are segments of the "novice, non-technical" user group who would struggle to a greater degree than me. Given the focus of the Steering Council on improving inclusiveness and access in the Python community, I am hopeful that my message will be heard and my suggestion for improvement considered.
I understand how this naming convention came about, no problems there. I do think it is a case of too much linear thinking though, progressing from the convention of one underscore to two, then to four. I believe by the time we get to four, it is time to say "Stop, is there not a better way?"
Looking at the non-alphanumeric symbols in ASCII and considering their existing use in Python and other languages, the dollar sign "$" presents itself as the best option: "main.$class", "$init", "$add", etc. Of course, the old convention would remain for backward compatibility, but new code would be easier to type and debug with this new symbol.
Perhaps this solution or something like it has already been considered and rejected. In that case, no big deal, this post shall vanish into oblivion with no harm done. On the other hand, if my idea is new and has potential, then I am hoping that a core dev will step up, say something encouraging, and I will write up a PEP.
Thank you for reading and I look forward to your replies.
Karl
