[Python-Dev] Symmetry arguments for API expansion

[Serhiy Storchaka]

12.03.18 18:49, Raymond Hettinger пише:
> There is a feature request and patch to propagate the float.is_integer() API through rest of the numeric types ( https://bugs.python.org/issue26680 ).
> 
> While I don't think it is a good idea, the OP has been persistent and wants his patch to go forward.
> 
> It may be worthwhile to discuss on this list to help resolve this particular request and to address the more general, recurring design questions. Once a feature with a marginally valid use case is added to an API, it is common for us to get downstream requests to propagate that API to other places where it makes less sense but does restore a sense of symmetry or consistency.  In cases where an abstract base class is involved, acceptance of the request is usually automatic (i.e. range() and tuple() objects growing index() and count() methods).  However, when our hand hasn't been forced, there is still an opportunity to decline.  That said, proponents of symmetry requests tend to feel strongly about it and tend to never fully accept such a request being declined (it leaves them with a sense
>   that Python is disordered and unbalanced).
> 
> 
> Raymond
> 
> 
> ---- My thoughts on the feature request -----

I concur with Raymond at all points about this concrete feature and 
about the general design in general.