[Python-ideas] Python Numbers as Human Concept Decimal System

[Ron Adam]

On 03/05/2014 06:04 AM, Steven D'Aprano wrote:
> (By the way, I think it is somewhat amusing that Python not only has a
> built-in complex type, but also*syntax*  for creating complex numbers,
> but no built-in support for exact rationals.)

That is interesting.

I think Mark is correct in unifying numbers.  And also adding in decimal 
features.  The way it should actually be done is another thing.  But having 
an up to date package that can be used is a very good start.  (Thanks Mark!)

Mark describes an AI approach,, which I think he means having a internal 
representation that may change as needed depending on how a number can best 
be stored and calculated while still keeping it's accuracy.

Weather or not that approach is called Decimals is another thing. It might 
be called "Unified Numbers".. or just Numbers.

The point is for the internal representation to be an implementation detail 
the user doesn't need to worry about. And have Decimal features available 
by default.

If things are decided by use case, then I can't even think of a good enough 
argument against having decimal features available by default. The 
financial use cases are that overwhelming.

-Ron