[Python-Dev] Terminology for PEP 343 (original) (raw)

Michael Chermside mcherm at mcherm.com
Sat Jul 2 00:23:30 CEST 2005

Raymond writes:

On a separate note, I also propose that exit() be renamed to leave(). The enter/leave word pairing are a better fit in standard English:

I don't feel strongly about it, but I tend to disagree. Certainly you will admit that enter-exit IS a gramatically correct pairing in English.

Raymond argues that:

Google has no shortage of hits for the pairing:

Yes, but google has about half as many hits for the enter-exit pairing. I think a factor of 2 is not really that big for this sort of thing. I would take that to mean that enter-leave and enter-exit are roughly equally frequent pairs with enter-leave being somewhat more prevelant.

FWIW, there is precedent in x86 assembly language: Likewise, GUI programmers use Enter and Leave for mouse events.

These precedents stand. I don't find them compelling, but they are certainly valid.

In favor of "exit" over "leave" I have only two arguments. First, I just like "exit" better. Hmm... didn't find that compelling? I was afraid of that.

The second (also not a very strong argument) is that "exit" is somewhat more distinct in meaning than "leave". Somehow for me "exit" has a faint connotation of a distinct boundary being crossed, while "leave" is somewhat less crisp.

I would use "She left the ballpark." for someone walking into the dugout, climbing up into the stands, or walking out of the stadium, and might refer to the entire process. Using "She exited the ballpark." to me suggests the exact moment that she went through the door dividing outside from inside. If you accept this connotation, then it's clear that "exit" is a closer match for the with statement's behavior than "leave".

Anyway, this stuff is always very subjective and, as I said, I'm just expressing an opinion. So take it for what it's worth.

-- Michael Chermside

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