[Python-Dev] PEP 303: Extend divmod() for Multiple Divisors

[Christian Tismer]

Guido van Rossum wrote:
...

>>Vice versa, if at all, I suggest a built in /% operator
>>as a faster equivalen to single / and %, but I believe
>>this code can be used more efficiently.
>>divmod should be a special case of an algebraic
>>extension module and removed from the builtins.
> 
> 
> That would have to be //% to be in line with the // operator, of
> course.  But I'd rather spend the effort towards making the compiler
> smart enough to recognize that divmod is a built-in so it can generate
> more efficient code (and I *am* prepared to make the necessary --
> slight -- changes to the language so that the compiler can make this
> deduction safely).

I stand corrected. And yes, catching certain builtins
sounds like an optimzation path that is still open.
Hey, len would have an incredible boost!!!

>>divmod does not save computation time, does not
>>reduce programming time, does not simplify programs,
>>eats paper and code space
> 
> 
> I find
> 
>   mm, ss = divmod(ss, 60)
> 
> easier to read than
> 
>   mm, ss = ss//60, ss%60

Sure it is.
Until Silvester night, I even had no idea that divmod
is so drastically slower. Hee hee.
Which gave me a nice chance to start a whole rant
towards shrinking the language, which I found
an attractive new way to shake you up.

Don't take it too serious :-))

I-wish-you-a-divmod-ly-new-2003-and-all-the-best -- chris

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