[Python-Dev] The bytes type

Mike Klaas mike.klaas at gmail.com
Fri Jan 12 21:24:58 CET 2007


On 1/12/07, Raymond Hettinger <python at rcn.com> wrote:
> [A.M. Kuchling]
> > 2.6 wouldn't go changing existing APIs to begin requiring or returning
> > the bytes type[*], of course, but extensions and new modules might use
> > it.
>
> The premise is dubious.
>
> If I am currently maintaining a module, why would I switch to a bytes type
> and forgo compatibility with Py2.5 and prior?  I might as well just convert
> it to run on Py3.0 and leave my Py2.5 code as-is for people who want to
> run 2.x.

A mutables bytes type is a useful addition to 2.X aside of the
3.0-compatibility motivation.  Isn't that sufficient justification?

-Mike


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