[Python-Dev] functools.compose to chain functions together

["Martin v. Löwis"]

>> PEP 309 was written, discussed, approved, and implemented - that's how
>> partial ended up in the stdlib.
> 
> Ok, I'm surprised that a single addition to a module needed a PEP in
> order to be approved.

A PEP is generally needed if there is no easy consent achievable. It's
not (primarily) the size of a feature that determines the need for a
formal process, but but whether the community considers a certain change
"obviously" correct and desirable.

>>   def foo(data):
>>     return compose(a, b(data), c)
>>
> 
> Ok, here's my attempt without looking at the patch:
> 
> def foo(data):
>     def bar(*args, **kwargs):
>         return a(b(data)(c(*args, **kwargs)))
>     return bar

Ok, that's also what the patch has proposed. I was puzzled when I read

   l.sort(key=compose(itemgetter(1), itemgetter(0))))

because I expected it to mean

   l.sort(key=lambda x:x[1][0])

when it would really mean

   l.sort(key=lambda x:x[0][1])


> Whether or not it is easier to read to the "average Python programmer"
> is not that important I think.

I completely disagree. It is one of Python's strength that it is
"executable pseudo-code", which originates from the code being easy
to read, and meaning the obvious thing even to a reader not familiar
with the language. The proposed compose function breaks this important
property, in a way that allows misinterpretation (i.e. you think you
know what it does, and it actually does something different).

I, personally, was not able to understand the compose function
correctly, so I remain opposed.

> We have lots of things that certainly
> aren't, and yet still exist (all of the functions in the operator
> module, for example; or `partial` itself for that matter). They are
> there for advanced programmers.

It's quite ok if only advanced programmers know that they are there,
and know how to write them. However, I still think it is desirable
that "lesser" programmers are then able to read them, or atleast notice
that they mean something that they will need to learn first (such
as a keyword they had never seen before).

Regards,
Martin