[Python-ideas] Make Python front end to the C math module

[Steven D'Aprano]

Currently the math module is written in C, not Python. This greatly 
increases the barrier to contributions to math. I suggest that we treat 
the existing math module as an accelerator module:

- rename math.so to _math.so;
  (or whatever platform-specific name it uses)

- add math.py with something like the following content:

from _math import *


and we're done! That will make it easier for people to contribute pure 
Python functions in the future. Currently all math functions, regardless 
of how trivial or difficult, must be written in C. With this change, 
they can be written in Python, and only written in C if necessary.

For the avoidance of doubt, there is NO requirement for pure-Python 
implementations of the existing math functions, or even future ones. 
Future functions can go straight into the C implementation is desired. 
This is to allow future functions the opportunity to be written in 
Python.



-- 
Steve