Python component model

[Edward Diener No Spam]

Diez B. Roggisch wrote:
>> While I understand dynamic typing, I still think it is possible to
>> create attributes in a Python component model which could tell a RAD
>> tool what type the attribute will encompass for the purpose of
>> properties and events. Obviously a "name, type" tuple, among other
>> possible information would have to be used. But given Python's amazingly
>> flexible type and introspection system, this should be possible.
> 
> The amazing flexibility stems from the fact that it is _runtime_. This is
> _exactly_ the difference between static and dynamic typing.
> 
> If a static analysis (_not_ importing the module, which can trigger
> arbitrary code being run!!!) is supposed to deliver the component
> architecture, you are either introducing static typing, or get into the
> danger of lose coupling between declaration and implementation, rendering
> the whole thing pretty useless.

Yes, I am suggesting static typing functionality for a subset of Python 
attributes. How this can be done I am still investigating on my own.

> 
> Of course, with a bit of discipline, you can create such a introspection
> facility that offers its properties after a mere import, see ZOPE
> interfaces for example. 
> 
> But in the end, it boils down to declaring stuff for that purpose alone, and
> introducing static typing, whereas other languages declare typing for their
> own needs, and add the component model upon that. 
> 
> And then you lose a _lot_ of what python makes powerful, for a very doubtful
> benefit IMHO.

Adding a feature, such as static typing functionality for the situation 
of doing visual RAD programming, does not "lose a _lot_ of what makes 
python powerful".

My idea of adding static typing is not an attempt to change the language 
but rather to develop Python classes which encapsulate the idea of a 
variable and a type for the purposes of emulating component properties 
and component events. If a language addition is needed instead I will 
investigate how to propose it.