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

[Andrew Barnert]

From: Chris Angelico <rosuav at gmail.com>

Sent: Thursday, March 6, 2014 4:29 PM


> So... I'm +1 for adding a literal syntax for decimals. +1 for adding a
> stating-the-default for floats (do it straight away, then code that
> uses it can be backported all the way even when there's a change of
> default).

This makes sense if you also add an optional suffix for binary floats at the same time. Otherwise, it would be confusing to talk about the "default" when there's no way to make it explicit, and it would delay any potential change of the default by at least one version, if not more.

Of course there's a lot of room for bikeshedding the suffix. The "f" suffix from C implies 32-bit float as opposed to 64-bit double, which is obviously wrong. The "d" suffix from C might be confusing as distinguishing "binary, not decimal". Maybe "b"?

> +0.5 for adding a syntax for fractions; support in principle
> but the devil's in the details.

What details, other than bikeshedding the exact suffix? If 3r == fraction.Fraction(3), we're done, right?