[Python-Dev] Complex detection

[Tim Peters]

[Paul F. Dubois]
> My understanding is that Python can be built without complex numbers
> to satisfy the needs of the Python-on-a-wristwatch crowd. Is there a
> run-time way to tell? For example, using an imaginary literal causes
> an error? If so, what kind?

You can find out by compiling with WITHOUT_COMPLEX #define'd.  PythonLabs
never does this, so no guarantee it even works.  I'm not going to bother
starting now, either <wink>.  Based on skimming the code, I expect

try:
    eval("1j")
    with_complex = 1
except SyntaxError:
    with_complex = 0

would do the trick, but no guarantee.