[Python-Dev] Why did Fredrik leave the party?

Raymond Hettinger python@rcn.com
Wed, 5 Feb 2003 12:54:14 -0500


> I don't have time to argue the merits of adding new features in the
> first place.  But please, let's not be naive about their impact on 
> the perceived simplicity of Python.  Like it or not, beginners do
> need to know about new things, even if they will not be coding them.

I don't disagree that 2.3 is more complex than 1.5.2.
However, *some* of the changes made python easier to learn 
and use.  At one time, every beginner had to learn:

* how to override __getitem__ and throw away the index
   to simulate iteration
* to add 1L to their factorial function which worked fine
   for small parameters but crashed with larger ones
* to clutter code with x=x, y=y, etc to simulate nested scope      
* funky code contortions to simulate lockstep iteration
* use of the lineinput module to read files line-by-line

For users of non-ascii charactersets, life has gotten much
easier.


Raymond Hettinger




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