[Python-Dev] Dropping __init__.py requirement for subpackages

[James Y Knight]

On Apr 26, 2006, at 4:49 PM, Guido van Rossum wrote:
> OK, forget it. I'll face the pitchforks.
>
> I'm disappointed though -- it sounds like we can never change anything
> about Python any more because it will upset the oldtimers.
>

No, you can not make a change which has a tiny (and arguably  
negative) advantage but large compatibility risks. Like it or not,  
Python is a stable, widely deployed program. Making almost arbitrary  
sideways changes is not something you can do to such a system without  
a lot of pushback. Breaking things requires (and *should* require)  
well thought out reasoning as to why the new way is actually better  
enough to justify the breakage.

James