John Ladasky <lada...@my-deja.com> wrote: > > The idea that Python code has to be obvious to non-programmers is an > > incorrect and dangerous one. > > Incorrect? Probably. Dangerous? You'll have to explain what you > mean.
The classic "obvious" behaviour to new Python programmers that causes problems would be mutable default arguments. At this point you have two options: improve the "readability" to new users so their expectations are met, or ask them to modify those expectations and understand what's really happening under the surface. As it stands, you tend to hit this problem pretty early on, learn about it, and walk away with a deeper knowledge of Python's mechanics. The danger, I feel, is that changing it to better fit the mind-set that non-Python programmers bring with them could mask that necessary understanding for longer. -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
