[Python-ideas] Python Users Aren't Perfect

[Matt Joiner]

(a,) is the real gotcha, not ()

On Tue, Dec 13, 2011 at 12:00 AM, Ned Batchelder <ned at nedbatchelder.com> wrote:
> On 12/10/2011 9:42 AM, Oleg Broytman wrote:
>>
>> On Sat, Dec 10, 2011 at 02:16:21PM +0000, Richard Prosser wrote:
>>>
>>> Although I love Python there are some aspects of the language design
>>> which
>>> are disappointing and which can even lead to problems in some cases.
>>
>>    What really is disappointing is the number of people who criticize
>> Python without knowing it.
>>
>>> Another awkward 'feature' is the requirement for a trailing comma in
>>> singleton tuples, due I believe to the use of expression parentheses
>>> rather
>>> than (say) the use of special brackets like chevrons.
>>
>>    You do not understand the syntax. Parens do not construct tuples -
>> commas do. So for every tuple - even of length 1 - you must have a
>> comma. The only exception is an empty tuple (of length 0).
>
> I don't think we have to go as far as blaming the user.  Tuple syntax is a
> little tricky, people often trip up on (x,) as a single-item tuple.  You and
> I understand why it is, and there isn't a better alternative, but that
> one-item syntax sticks out when compared to the others: (), (x, y), (x, y,
> z), etc.  This is a true "gotcha" as Richard originally expressed it.
>>
>> Oleg.
>
> --Ned.
>
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