[Python-Dev] Re: Documentation: type-vs.-function
Fred L. Drake, Jr.
fdrake@acm.org
Mon, 30 Sep 2002 10:58:03 -0400
David Abrahams writes:
> Does this distinction matter? A little, I think. Calling it a function
> makes it sound like we're living in the past. Same goes for str, type,
> list, tuple, et. al. I realize that the type (especially <type 'type'>)
> acts like a function under many circumstances...
It definately matters.
Alex Martelli writes:
> It's important, when feasible, to clarify what built-ins are types
> -- a type has MORE functionality than a function, after all (in
> particular, one can subclass it, while one can't subclass a
> function).
I agree.
The current somewhat-vague plan is to add a new section parallel to
the section on built-in functions that lists the built-in types
exposed in the __builtin__ module. This would make it easier to
describe these types and their ability to be subclassed in a more
rational manner than in their current location. Placeholder entries
will be maintained for the function entries so people accustomed to
looking in the current location won't be completely lost.
-Fred
--
Fred L. Drake, Jr. <fdrake at acm.org>
PythonLabs at Zope Corporation