> No one has yet explained the reasoning (vs the mechanics) of the > returned value of the following. > > L = range(10) > L[3::-1] > > So far every attempt to explain it has either quoted the documents which > don't address that particular case, or assumed I'm misunderstanding > something, or implied it isn't neccisary to do. > > It's quite easy to get me to change my mind on something, just show me a > convincing explanation and I will. :)
Once I saw this, I was surprised, because slices currently work exactly like I would and do expect on this example, so I now have to admit that I didn't read your original post fully and carefully. I have gone back to look to figure out what you don't like and what you want, and I am very surprised. To me, your way reeks of black magic -- if there is a sign on the stride, then strange and wondrous transformations happen. I think it is conceptually (and probably programatically) much simpler the way it is. In any case, you asked for a rationale. I'll give you mine: >>> L = range(10) >>> L[3:len(L):-1] == [L[i] for i in range(3,len(L),-1)] True >>> If you manage somehow to hange that 'True' to a 'False', I'll personally be extremely unhappy. Regards, Pat -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
