[Edu-sig] re: Changing the Division Operator -- PEP 238, rev 1.12

[Arthur Siegel]

from PEP 238, rev 1.12: 

>A unified numeric model removes most of
>the user's need to be aware of different numerical types. 
>This is.good for beginners, but also takes away 
>concerns about different numeric behavior 
>for advanced programmers.  

FWIW, I think in here is a precise enough to be
useful word for what I have always identified 
as  the prime CP4E constituency - the "beginner". 
Someone at the early stages of a process.  But 
within a process - formal or informal.

Very different implications from the word
"non-programmer" which, IMO, has very 
unfortunately been consistently used as a near
synonym. I don't think that word has enough 
precision to be useful.   

And lack of language precision has been the real 
devil in all this, I happen to be quite convinced.

With much less vehemence and confidence than
I express the above opinion, I register my 
reservations about whether a unified numerical 
model is in the best interest of the beginner.

Certainly I can see the "for" argument. Which is perhaps
more consistent with a Programming for the Fun
of It ideal, than is the source of my reservations.

Reserve the right to mouth off only when a 
PEP addresses  the needs of beginners as the
*prime* motivation of a foundation level change.

Trying to keep in mind that as Kirby says as to himself, 
I am not in the leadership - and it is the leadership 
with the track record, not me.

ART