Re: [Python-Dev] 64-bit process optimization 1

guido wrote:

Unfortunately, one problem is binary compatibility. We try to make it possible to link newer Python versions with extension modules (like Numeric, which you use) compiled for older versions. This requires that the binary lay-out of objects remains the same, and swapping ob_refcnt and ob_type would cause immediate crashes in this case.

a compromise could be to make the swap in 2.3, but only on 64-bit platforms. it's obvious that most people are stuck on 32-bit platforms today, and I think it's safe to say that users on 64-bit plat- forms might be a bit more willing to build everything they need on their local platform. another alternative would be to make it a configuration option, with a platform-dependent default. </F>