[Python-Dev] Re: [Python-checkins] python/dist/src/Lib types.py,1.26,1.27

Kevin Jacobs jacobs@penguin.theopalgroup.com
Thu, 23 May 2002 14:05:46 -0400 (EDT)


On Thu, 23 May 2002, Guido van Rossum wrote:
> > Further, the expectation of real-live Python users is that it will
> > contain the boolean type.  This is not an academic argument for me,
> > and likely for many others.  We have large code bases that use the
> > types module, and expect the module to rigorously track new types
> > until something better is fully implemented, stable, and the old
> > module is properly depricated.
> 
> Why don't you wait and see what shows up in Python 2.3 when it is
> released.

No, I won't just wait and see.  Do we want a development model where
everyone is satisfied to wait to see what gifts magically arrive in the next
release?  No thank you, Mr. Gates.

> It's good that we're arguing about this now -- we should offer
> something to replace all features of the the types module in 2.3.

I have a hard time seeing how the types module can be replaced by anything
substantively different.  Its sole purpose is not complex: to be a container
of type names and type objects.  Clearly, it is not the best API for many
tasks, but it is a standard one that is widely used.  So if there is
something better to be done, we should create a new module and be clever
there.

Moving right along,
-Kevin

--
Kevin Jacobs
The OPAL Group - Enterprise Systems Architect
Voice: (216) 986-0710 x 19         E-mail: jacobs@theopalgroup.com
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