[Python-ideas] Default arguments in Python - the return

[George Sakkis]

On Fri, May 8, 2009 at 5:12 PM, Chris Rebert <pyideas at rebertia.com> wrote:

> On Fri, May 8, 2009 at 1:31 PM, Pascal Chambon
>> So, if this matters hasn't already been marked somewhere as a no-go, I
>> eagerly await the feedback of users and core developpers on the subject. :)
>
> It's basically been rejected. See GvR Pronouncement:
> http://mail.python.org/pipermail/python-3000/2007-February/005715.html
> regarding the pre-PEP "Default Argument Expressions":
> http://mail.python.org/pipermail/python-3000/2007-February/005704.html
>
> Unless your exact idea somehow differs significantly from my pre-PEP
> (sounds like it doesn't IMHO), it's not gonna happen. It's basically
> too magical.

FWIW I don't find the dual semantics, with explicit syntax for the new
semantics ("def foo(bar=new baz)") mentioned in the PEP too magical.
If even C, a relatively small language, affords two calling semantics,
why would it be too confusing for Python ? Perhaps that PEP might had
had better luck if it didn't propose replacing the current semantics
with the new.

George