[Python-Dev] a quit that actually quits (original) (raw)

Aahz aahz at pythoncraft.com
Thu Dec 29 06:10:08 CET 2005

On Wed, Dec 28, 2005, Brett Cannon wrote:

On 12/28/05, Aahz <aahz at pythoncraft.com> wrote:

Here's yet a different take on this: why not simply change the startup message? Whether we choose "quit" or "exit", someone will get it wrong unless there's an alias. Changing the message is free. Currently we have Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information. Let's add another line that says Type "quit()" to exit Defining it as "def quit(): raise SystemExit" should be fine. Just because people don't read unless it it thrown in their face. =) But that is still nice and simple and won't hurt. I would still suggest using a class so that the repr can give a useful message, though.

That's fine. I think the primary use case for this is someone who accidentally stumbles into the Python interpreter, in which case that message will be a life-saver. Anybody who is formally attempting to use the interpreter probably has ready access to docs that explain how to use it.

Aahz (aahz at pythoncraft.com) <*> http://www.pythoncraft.com/

"Given that C++ has pointers and typecasts, it's really hard to have a serious conversation about type safety with a C++ programmer and keep a straight face. It's kind of like having a guy who juggles chainsaws wearing body armor arguing with a guy who juggles rubber chickens wearing a T-shirt about who's in more danger." --Roy Smith

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