[Python-Dev] Decorator syntax

[James Y Knight]

On Sep 2, 2009, at 6:15 AM, Rob Cliffe wrote:

> So - the syntax restriction seems not only inconsistent, but  
> pointless; it doesn't forbid anything, but merely means we have to  
> do it in a slightly convoluted (unPythonesque) way.  So please,  
> Guido, will you reconsider?

Indeed, it's a silly inconsistent restriction. When it was first added  
I too suggested that any expression be allowed after the @, rather  
than having a uniquely special restricted syntax. I argued from  
consistency of grammar standpoint. But Guido was not persuaded. Good  
luck to you. :)

Here's some of the more relevant messages from the thread back when  
the @decorator feature was first introduced:
http://mail.python.org/pipermail/python-dev/2004-August/046654.html
http://mail.python.org/pipermail/python-dev/2004-August/046659.html
http://mail.python.org/pipermail/python-dev/2004-August/046675.html
http://mail.python.org/pipermail/python-dev/2004-August/046711.html
http://mail.python.org/pipermail/python-dev/2004-August/046741.html
http://mail.python.org/pipermail/python-dev/2004-August/046753.html
http://mail.python.org/pipermail/python-dev/2004-August/046818.html

James