Guido van Rossum <guido@python.org> writes:
http://python.org/sf/518846 reports that new-style classes cannot be used as exceptions. I think it is desirable that this is fixed, but I also believe that it conflicts with string exceptions.
Can you explain this conflict? Couldn't this be worked around by making an exception for strings?
Currently, if you write try: raise "Hallo" except str: pass the exception will pass through. If "new-style classes" (aka types) are allowed, then the string /should/ be caught.
I think string exceptions are used enough that we should deprecate them on a slower schedule.
If you follow Paul's rationale (exceptions should inherit from Exception), then the bug report could be closed, and no action would be needed until Exception becomes a type. Regards, Martin