[Python-Dev] Still want an expected skip file for regrtest.py?

[Brett Cannon]

I just updated my CVS copy of Python and noticed that regrtest.py was
patched.  That triggered the memory of summarizing the whole expected skip
thread from the last summary.  The conclusion to that thread was the idea
of having a file that would list tests that could be added to  the
expected skip  list at run-time and thus  squash the issue of having to
ignore skipped test messages for things you knew would be skipped that
were not listed on the platform skip list.

Well, with ``dummy_thread(ing)?`` sitting there on SF and knowing that I
have a lot of PHP coding coming up, I am up for implementing this (with no
specified timeframe).  The question is how do you want it implemented?  I
say it should just be a file you keep in your Lib/test/ directory that is
formatted like what you pass in for the -f option to regrtest.py (heck, I
plan to copy the code that implements that option).  It should always be
included without a passed-in option since the whole point of this is that
these tests are expected to be skipped.  Thus it should have a
standardized name (how about "ToSkip.txt"? Maybe a leading underscore?)

The other issue is whether the listed tests should supplement or extend
the expected tests for the platform.  I say it should extend, but the
thread originally discussing this said supplement.  If both ways are
desired, the file could specify either ``..add`` or ``..replace`` (or
something similar) to signal which to do (default being to add them).  It
could be required to be at the top of the file, at the end, or just
anywhere; I have no preference.  But I think it should just extend it
since we have those tests listed for a reason and having to possibly
re-list them would be a pain.

Or you could all just say "surprise me, Brett" and let me sweat the
details.  =)

-Brett