[Python-Dev] Mixed up core/module source file locations in CPython

[Brett Cannon]

On Sat, Nov 16, 2013 at 1:40 PM, Eric Snow <ericsnowcurrently at gmail.com>wrote:

> If you look at the Python and Modules directories in the cpython repo,
> you'll find modules in Python/ and core files (like python.c and
> main.c) in Modules/.  (It's like parking on a driveway and driving on
> a parkway. <wink>)  It's not that big a deal and not that hard to
> figure out (so I'm fine with the status quo), but it is a bit
> surprising.  When I was first getting familiar with the code base  a
> few years ago (as a C non-expert), it was a not insignificant but not
> major stumbling block.
>
> The situation is mostly a consequence of history, if I understand
> correctly.  The subject has come up before and I don't recall any
> objections to doing something about it.  I haven't had the time to
> track down those earlier discussions, though I remember Benjamin
> having some comment about it.
>
> Would it be too disruptive (churn, etc.) to clean this up in 3.5?  I
> see it similarly to when I moved a light switch from outside my
> bathroom to inside.  For a while, but not that long, I kept
> unconsciously reaching for the switch that was no longer there on the
> outside.  Regardless I'm glad I did it.  Likewise, moving the handful
> of files around is a relatively inconsequential change that would make
> the project just a little less surprising, particularly for new
> contributors.
>
> -eric
>
> p.s. Either way I'll probably take some time (it shouldn't take long)
> after the PEP 451 implementation is done to put together a patch that
> moves the files around, just to see what difference it makes.
>

I personally think it would be a good idea to re-arrange the files to make
things more beginner-friendly. I believe Nick was also talking about
renaming directories, etc. at some point.
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