[Python-Dev] Get 2.5 changes in now, branch will be frozen soon

[Stephen Hansen]

I'm sure everyone remembers the big ol' honking discussion on the change to
os.splitext; it sorta fizzled after Guido asked if people would accept a
pronouncement on the subject. I'm not anyone in the Python world, but felt
strongly enough on the particular subject to submit a patch (and later
revisions based upon the evolving conversation), but I think this should get
resolved one way or the other. If the existing "fix" goes in for 2.5.1, then
I'm going to withdraw said patch since I think it would end up doing more
harm then good to silently change the semantics of how the function treats
and defines extensions in one version only to do so again in another.

The options, from how I see it, are:
  * The patch that Martin committed to fix the behavior such that
splitext('.cshrc') returned ('.cshrc', '') remains. This would silently
alter the behavior of a function whose tests have held the existing behavior
correct; but it would make the behavior more logical in many situations.
  * The change gets simply reverted for now to return to the previous
behavior, to perhaps be addressed later. This would revert to the status quo
and its definition of 'extension' when it comes to files that have a leading
dot, which may not be long-term desirable but which would at least give time
for a plan and/or decision on the issue without a silent behavior
adjustment.
  * The introduction of a keyword parameter to determine if the function
should treat that initial dot as the start of an extension or a hidden
filename. This would (IMHO) provide a migration path from the existing
behavior which is a bit odd to the new behavior which makes more sense,
while still allowing people to use whichever they choose to be appropriate
for their domain. The question is also open on the issue of warnings; there
was some sentiment that opposed a warning in this case (or in general)

With the latter, another question is what the default is now; and will it
change in the future.

I just wanted to offer a gentle prod to see if a decision can be made; if
any decision requires an adjustment to patches, tests and documentation, I'm
willing to do them. Whatever the decision ends up being.

On 3/29/07, Neal Norwitz <nnorwitz at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> This is a reminder that the 2.5 branch will be frozen early next week.
> If there are changes you want to get into 2.5.1, they should be
> checked in within a few days.  Be conservative!  There will be a
> 2.5.2, it's better to wait than to have to make a new release for one
> rushed feature.  If you don't believe, just wait until Anthony shows
> up at your doorstep. :-)
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