[Python-Dev] conceptual clarity

[Eric Smith]

Nick Coghlan wrote:
> Eric Smith wrote:
>> Antoine Pitrou wrote:
>>> As it is, -1 from me. Either we only keep two concepts (Address and
>>>  Network), or if we introduce a third one (AddressWithMask,
>>> whatever) for added practicality; but we shouldn't blur the line
>>> between the two former canonical concepts under the pretext that a
>>> platypus-like Address might be helpful in some particular
>>> situations.
>> I completely agree with this. By keeping the concepts distinct we can
>>  catch mis-uses earlier. If needed, convenience functions (or
>> classes, or whatever) could be layered on top. But the underlying
>> concepts need to be clear.
> 
> That would be my view as well (this includes getting rid of the current
> duality of IPNetwork by dropping the ip property, only accepting the
> network address in the normal constructor and having a separate
> constructor that allows a network object to be created from an arbitrary
>   host address and a netmask)

Yes, I think that's the best plan. I could live without AddressWithMask 
(or whatever name), but it would be a nice convenience.

> Is-a-2.x-str-a-sequence-of-ASCII-characters-or-a-chunk-of-binary-data?'ly,

LOL! Perfect.

Eric.