[Python-Dev] PEP 3003 - Python Language Moratorium (original) (raw)

geremy condra debatem1 at gmail.com
Mon Nov 9 01:01:26 CET 2009

On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 6:06 PM, Steven D'Aprano <steve at pearwood.info> wrote:

On Sun, 8 Nov 2009 11:14:59 am Steven D'Aprano wrote:

At the very least, I believe, any moratorium should have a clear end date. A clear end date will be a powerful counter to the impression that Python the language is moribund. It says, this is an exceptional pause, not a permanent halt. Proposal: No new language features in odd-numbered point releases (3.3, 3.5, ...). Even-numbered point releases (3.4, 3.6, ...) may include new language features provided they meet the usual standards for new features. 3.2 is a special case: as an even-numbered release, it would normally allow new features, but in recognition of the special nature of the 2.x to 3.1/3.2 migration, no new language features will be allowed. Advantages: * It slows down changes to the language while still allowing sufficiently high-standard new features. * Alternate implementations have a stable language version to aim for. Assuming point releases come ever 12-18 months, that stable language version will last 2-3 years. * It doesn't have the psychological baggage of an unconditional ban on new features for the indefinite future. It gives a fixed, known schedule for when new features will be permitted, without the uncertainty of "at the BDFL's pleasure".

-- Steven D'Aprano

FWIW, I view a definite end point as a definite plus.

Geremy Condra

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