[Python-Dev] Propose to reject PEP 313 -- Adding Roman Numeral Literals to Python

[Raymond Hettinger]

While the majority of Python users deem this to be a nice-to-have
feature, the community has been unable to reach a consensus on the
proper syntax after more than two years of intensive debate (the PEP was
introduced in early April 2003).

Most agree that there should be only-one-way-to-do-it; however, the
proponents are evenly split into two camps, with the modernists
preferring IX for nine and the classicists preferring VIIII which was
the most likely spelling in ancient Rome.

The classicists not only rely on set-in-stone tradition, they point to
pragmatic issues such as avoidance of subtraction, ease of coding,
easier mental parsing (much less error prone), and ease of teaching to
beginners.  They assert that the modernists have introduced unnecessary
algorithmic complexity just to save two keystrokes.

The modernists point to compatible Java implementations and current
grade school textbooks.  They believe that users from other languages
will expect the IX form.  Note however, not all the modernists agree on
whether MXM would be a well-formed spelling of 1990; most, but not all
prefer MCMXC despite its likelihood of being mis-parsed on a first
reading.

There is also a small but vocal user group demanding that lowercase
forms be allowed.  Their use cases fall into four categories:  (i)
academia, (ii) the legal profession, (iii) research paper writing, and
(iv) powerpoint slideshows.  Reportedly, this is also a common
convention among Perl programmers.

Links:
 
http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/waymac/History%20A/A%20Term%201/1.%20Rome/R
oman_Numerals.htm
    http://www.sizes.com/numbers/roman_numerals.htm


Raymond