[Python-ideas] Add citation() to site.py

[Terry Reedy]

On 3/17/2016 12:32 PM, Nikolaus Rath wrote:
> On Mar 18 2016, Steven D'Aprano <steve at pearwood.info> wrote:
>> The standard site.py module adds pseudo-builtins:
>>
>>      copyright
>>      credits
>>      exit
>>      help
>>      license
>>      quit
>>
>>
>> I suggest one more: citation().

Excellent idea, though I suggest 'citation' instead.  The current splash 
line is
   Type "copyright", "credits" or "license()" for more information.
The difference between no () and () required is a matter of length, and 
a 3 or 4 line citation fits the no () case.

 >>> copyright
Copyright (c) 2001-2015 Python Software Foundation.
All Rights Reserved.

Copyright (c) 2000 BeOpen.com.
All Rights Reserved.

Copyright (c) 1995-2001 Corporation for National Research Initiatives.
All Rights Reserved.

Copyright (c) 1991-1995 Stichting Mathematisch Centrum, Amsterdam.
All Rights Reserved.
 >>> credits
     Thanks to CWI, CNRI, BeOpen.com, Zope Corporation and a cast of 
thousands
     for supporting Python development.  See www.python.org for more 
information.
 >>> license
Type license() to see the full license text

The full license text is several pages, run through a pager.
(quit and exit also have custom representations.)

In addition, the front page of the docs should have a new item Citation 
under 'Meta Information'.  The linked page could have multiple formats.

> I think the core question is: are the (core?) Python contributors or the
> PSF interested in being referenced?

This one says YES!.  Citing software used in a project is standard, but 
often a nuisance to get right.

 > If so, adding this would definitely
> help (and would certainly generate some citations from me).

-- 
Terry Jan Reedy