[Python-Dev] import curdir,pardir,sep,pathsep,defpath from relevant *path module (original) (raw)

Skip Montanaro skip@pobox.com
Thu, 13 Feb 2003 15:49:31 -0600

It has always mystified me that os.{sep,pathsep} aren't defined in os.path. Looking at os.py I see that os.{curdir,pardir,defpath} should probably live there as well.

Proposal: Move the definitions of curdir, pardir, sep, pathsep and defpath into the relevant path module (ntpath, posixpath, etc), then for compatibility reimport them ("from path import curdir, pardir, sep, pathsep, defpath") later in os.py. Update the libref documentation to reflect these items' new home. Do whatever is necessary deprecation-wise (silent in 2.3? Update usage in Python source after 2.3 release and add visible deprecation in 2.4?).

Rationale: These variables are all path-related. One of the reasons for having platform-specific path modules is to allow programmers to manipulate filesystem paths for platform X on platform Y. This would make those items available under that sort of scenario. It would also reduce the amount of platform-specific code in os.py.

Skip