[Python-Dev] Re: Metatype conflict among bases? (original) (raw)

Alex Martelli aleax@aleax.it
Wed, 23 Apr 2003 15:49:54 +0200

On Wednesday 23 April 2003 02:17 pm, David Abrahams wrote: ...

it, so I don't mind getting a bit more essay-like. Just today on python-list I saw this

>>> range(map(lambda x:x+1, [0, 100, 3])) Traceback (most recent call last): File "", line 1, in ? TypeError: an integer is required come up as a problem for someone.

It's a bit better in the current CVS Python -- essentially all error messages from built-ins now identify which built-in is involved, and many give extra, pertinent information -- e.g.:

[alex@lancelot src]$ ./python -c 'range(map(str,[1,2,3]))' Traceback (most recent call last): File "", line 1, in ? TypeError: range() integer end argument expected, got list.

As long as the message still typically fits within one line, I think there can be no substantial objection to making it clearer and more infomative.

Alex