Although I love Python there are some aspects of the language design which are disappointing and which can even lead to problems in some cases. A classic example is a mutable default argument having the potential to produce unexpected side-effects, as a consequence of the non-intuitive scoping rules. Another awkward 'feature' is the requirement for a trailing comma in singleton tuples, due I believe to the use of expression parentheses rather than (say) the use of special brackets like chevrons. Something that I personally wish for is the ability to declare variable types 'up front' but that facility is missing from Python. This is an important issue, so I propose that the Python tutorial be updated to highlight such problems. I would be willing to write a draft section myself but obviously it would need to be reviewed. I am not sure if this is the appropriate place to make such a comment but it seems to be a good starting point. Any advice on making a more formal proposal would be welcome. Cheers, Richard Prosser PS Is it too late to fix such warts in version 3?