[Edu-sig] re: Types and true division (was Re: strange output)

[Arthur]

>I couldn't agree more. The removal of barriers that are nothing more than
>arbitrary in the modern era of programming languages is a key reason for
what
>is looking like its successful adoption at one of the most prestigious
>educational institutions in the UK. And crucially, in preference to C.

In the world.  Don't be modest.

But I will stick to my guns that we have a legimate disagreement.

I wouldn't be here if I didn't think Python does an all in all brilliant job
of addressing these issues.  But like in all things, there comes a point of
dimishing returns, then negative returns.  Where is that point?

If the underlying numeric typing system were in fact to disappear with some
kind of actual unification implementation, obviously there becomes nothing
to discuss.

The phrase "premature optimization" comes to mind again here.

You readily admit that you are not getting across important and fundamental
issues regarding numerics in Python that a physics student *needs* to know.
I contend those issues are getting too deeply submerged, without losing
*any* of their fundamental importance.

Now all I am asking, because alll I am in a position to ask, is that we
acknowledge ourselves to have an honest disagreement.

Art