[Python-Dev] Aside: apply syntax

[Guido van Rossum]

> I've seen repeatedly on c.l.p a suggestion to modify the syntax & the core
> to allow * and ** in function calls, so that:
> 
> class SubFoo(Foo):
>   def __init__(self, *args, **kw):
>     apply(Foo, (self, ) + args, kw)
>     ...
> 
> could be written
> 
> class SubFoo(Foo):
>   def __init__(self, *args, **kw):
>     Foo(self, *args, **kw)
>     ...
> 
> I really like this notion, but before I poke around trying to see if it's
> doable, I'd like to get feedback on whether y'all think it's a good idea
> or not.  And if someone else wants to do it, feel free -- I am of course
> swamped, and I won't get to it until after rich comparisons.
> 
> FWIW, apply() is one of my least favorite builtins, aesthetically
> speaking.

I like the idea, but it would mean a major reworking of the grammar
and the parser.  Can I persuade you to keep this on ice until 2.0?

--Guido van Rossum (home page: http://www.python.org/~guido/)