Documentation: type-vs.-function
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I note that http://www.python.org/dev/doc/devel/lib/built-in-funcs.html#l2h-14 describes dict as a built-in function, whereas we all know that Guido's cool 2.2 changes made it into a type
dict <type 'dict'>
Does this distinction matter? A little, I think. Calling it a function makes it sound like we're living in the past. Same goes for str, type, list, tuple, et. al. I realize that the type (especially <type 'type'>) acts like a function under many circumstances... un-important-ly y'rs, dave ----------------------------------------------------------- David Abrahams * Boost Consulting dave@boost-consulting.com * http://www.boost-consulting.com
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"David Abrahams" <dave@boost-consulting.com> writes:
Does this distinction matter?
Yes. However, I think a few patches changing this have been rejected, on the grounds of being confusing to users. So careful wording is necessary, which probably requires mastery of the English language. Regards, Martin
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On Monday 30 September 2002 02:36 am, David Abrahams wrote:
Trying to cover both 2.1 and 2.2 in the coming Nutshell, I've resorted to periphrases such as "the built-in dict" or "the dict built-in" (the latter uses "built-in" as a noun, I'm not yet sure the editor will let that go by). I've also tried to use 'callable' systematically instead of 'function' wherever other callables (types, bound-methods, etc) can be substituted in lieu of functions. In documenting 2.2 or 2.3 only, I think such hedging is not warranted. It's important, when feasible, to clarify what built-ins are types -- a type has MORE functionality than a function, after all (in particular, one can subclass it, while one can't subclass a function). Alex
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David Abrahams writes:
It definately matters. Alex Martelli writes:
I agree. The current somewhat-vague plan is to add a new section parallel to the section on built-in functions that lists the built-in types exposed in the __builtin__ module. This would make it easier to describe these types and their ability to be subclassed in a more rational manner than in their current location. Placeholder entries will be maintained for the function entries so people accustomed to looking in the current location won't be completely lost. -Fred -- Fred L. Drake, Jr. <fdrake at acm.org> PythonLabs at Zope Corporation
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"David Abrahams" <dave@boost-consulting.com> writes:
Does this distinction matter?
Yes. However, I think a few patches changing this have been rejected, on the grounds of being confusing to users. So careful wording is necessary, which probably requires mastery of the English language. Regards, Martin
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On Monday 30 September 2002 02:36 am, David Abrahams wrote:
Trying to cover both 2.1 and 2.2 in the coming Nutshell, I've resorted to periphrases such as "the built-in dict" or "the dict built-in" (the latter uses "built-in" as a noun, I'm not yet sure the editor will let that go by). I've also tried to use 'callable' systematically instead of 'function' wherever other callables (types, bound-methods, etc) can be substituted in lieu of functions. In documenting 2.2 or 2.3 only, I think such hedging is not warranted. It's important, when feasible, to clarify what built-ins are types -- a type has MORE functionality than a function, after all (in particular, one can subclass it, while one can't subclass a function). Alex
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David Abrahams writes:
It definately matters. Alex Martelli writes:
I agree. The current somewhat-vague plan is to add a new section parallel to the section on built-in functions that lists the built-in types exposed in the __builtin__ module. This would make it easier to describe these types and their ability to be subclassed in a more rational manner than in their current location. Placeholder entries will be maintained for the function entries so people accustomed to looking in the current location won't be completely lost. -Fred -- Fred L. Drake, Jr. <fdrake at acm.org> PythonLabs at Zope Corporation
participants (4)
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Alex Martelli
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David Abrahams
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Fred L. Drake, Jr.
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martin@v.loewis.de