[Python-Dev] global statements outside functions/methods should raise SyntaxError

[Antoine Pitrou]

Benjamin Peterson <benjamin <at> python.org> writes:
> 
> 2009/11/15 Michael Foord <fuzzyman <at> voidspace.org.uk>:
> > Well, personally I think it would be a good thing if this raised an
> > exception during bytecode compilation - but it would fall under the
> > moratorium and have to wait a few years.
> 
> It could probably be considered a bug, though, since the global
> statement in that case silently has absolutely no effect.

Indeed, and it's not like other implementations would be at a disadvantage if
they didn't implement this error.

Warning that the construct is meaningless can be helpful, especially for
refugees from other languages.

Regards

Antoine.