[Python-Dev] Decorator syntax J2 (decorate..def), with implementation

[Robert Brewer]

Michael Sparks wrote:
> Nick Coghlan> [make block optional for one decorator ?]
> Barry Warsaw> [Better, but requires keyword, and hence (?) 
> __future__ ]
> 
> As previously noted the arguments against the length of the 
> decorator in the 
> single case, I view as advantages when showing code to new users or 
> maintainers.

If you allow the keyword and the single decorator on the same line, this
argument comes down to "how long is the keyword?"

>>> try: a = 3
... except Exception, x:
... 	print "Error", x

Nobody seems to have a problem typing "try:" again and again. I'm not
sure why "decorate:" is receiving such pessimistic scrutiny. But then, I
wasn't hanging about when try/except came into being--perhaps it had
similar difficulties.

> As for whether it's the right keyword or not, I'm not sure 
> I'm qualified to 
> say, but decorators seem much more like declarations of 
> function properties 
> in all the use cases I've seen.

The proposal, in effect, creates a declarative suite as opposed to the
more traditional imperative suite. Perhaps "declare:" would be more
appropriate (but give your brain a week to mull it over ;).

> More seriously though, if there is interest I'll see what I 
> can do about cleaning up the patch to resolve the scoping issue.

I'm certainly interested; thanks for churning out an implementation.


Robert Brewer
MIS
Amor Ministries
fumanchu at amor.org