[Python-Dev] Re: [Patches] PC\config.[hc] changes for Win64

[Mark Hammond]

> > It will no doubt cause a bit of pain, but IMO it is cleaner...
>
> Hmm...  I'm not sure I agree.  I read in the comments that the _WIN32
> symbol is defined even on Win64 systems -- to test for Win64, you must
> test the _WIN64 symbol.  The two variants are more similar than they
> are different.

Yes, but still, one day, (if MS have their way :-) win32 will be "legacy".

eg, imagine we were having the same debate about 5 years ago, but there was
a more established Windows 3.1 port available.

If we believed the hype, we probably _would_ have gone with "windows" for
both platforms, in the hope that they are more similar than different
(after all, that _was_ the story back then).

> The changes that Trent had to make in the standard library are only
> the tip of the iceberg...

Yes, but OTOH, the fact we explicitely use "win32" means people shouldnt
really expect code to work on Win64.  If nothing else, it will be a good
opportunity to examine the situation as each occurrence is found.  It will
be quite some time before many people play with the Win64 port seriously
(just like the first NT ports when I first came on the scene :-)

So, I remain a +0 on this - ie, I dont really care personally, but think
"win64" is the right thing.  In any case, Im happy to rely on Guido's time
machine...

Mark.