Re: [Python-Dev] AST manipulation and source code generation

On 5/26/05, Chad Whitacre <chad@zetaweb.com> wrote:

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Would there be any interest in extending the compiler package with tools for AST transformations and for emitting Python source code from ASTs?

Heh, so I guess the answer is "yes."

BTW, how does the concept of AST transformations relate to the concept of (Lisp) macros? Am I right to think that they are similar?

I think they are similar, but two key differences are: - An AST transformation can transform existing syntax but doesn't allow you to create new syntax. - An AST transformation has to be explicitly invoked. A macro is part of the language proper and has a semantics for how and when macros are evaluated. Jeremy