[Python-Dev] Re: Decimal data type issues

[Casey Duncan]

On Fri, 16 Apr 2004 10:53:35 -0300
"Batista, Facundo" <FBatista at uniFON.com.ar> wrote:

> [Casey Duncan]
> 
> #- I find boolean arguments a general anti-pattern, especially given
> #we- have class methods. Why not use an alternate constructor like::
> #- 
> #-   pi = 
> #- Decimal.rounded_to_context("3.1415926535897932384626433832795")
> 
> This is a good idea to me.
> 
> We all must decide which of the following is better:
> 
>   a) Decimal(number)     # no context used
>      Decimal(number, context)
> 
>   b) Decimal(number)     # no context used
>      Decimal.using_context(number, context)

If the context must be explicitly provided as an argument (rather than
just a flag) I think a) is better. It depends also on what other
arguments the constructor has, and thus what other contracts it
fulfills. Are there other optional arguments?

-Casey