[Numpy-discussion] Response to PEP suggestions

[Robert Kern]

Paul Barrett wrote:

> How about proposing a PEP to extend Python's scalar behavior, so the 
> len(a) works for either scalars or arrays.  Though I haven't thought 
> this through in great detail, it would appear to be a transparent 
> addition for most Python users who would never use this.  At the same 
> time, we should also consider other behavior that would unify (or smear) 
> the behavior of Python scalars and arrays.

I'm sure there are any number of people who use len(x) as a way to test 
the sequenceness of x. While it might be okay for rank-0 arrays, 
extending this to builtin ints and floats may not be a good idea. I'm 
pretty sure this would get rejected.

-- 
Robert Kern
rkern at ucsd.edu

"In the fields of hell where the grass grows high
  Are the graves of dreams allowed to die."
   -- Richard Harter