[Python-Dev] Introducing new operators for matrix computation

[Andrew Kuchling]

On Fri, Jul 14, 2000 at 01:36:20PM -0400, Eric S. Raymond wrote:
>Huaiyu Zhu <huaiyu_zhu@yahoo.com>:
>> This is not a call for a special language for matrix only.  But we do need
>> enough binary operators to override with.  The additional operators might be
>> useful at other places as well.
>
>I agree that supporting user-defined syntax threatens to fragment the language.
>To avoid that, perhaps it would be best to leave what are in effect 
>user-definable hooks in Python's lexical space.

Huaiyu Zhu thinks that better matrix operators will attract a
significant new of new users; I'm doubtful of this claim.  We're both
just guessing, since neither of us has actual evidence to support our
respective points of view.  Given that uncertainty, there seems little
impetus for adding new operators; Python will have to live with them
for a long time, even if the matrix work withers after a short time,
or never really catches on.

It should be possible to try out new operators *right now*, with no
core changes.  I believe Jeremy's compiler code, written in pure
Python, can parse a module and generate the corresponding bytecodes.
Therefore, you could take that code and hack it to support 'a .| b',
by generating equivalent code to a.__dotbar__(b), or whatever.  The
only visible difference is that some error messages would be obscure;
2 .| 1 would get a '2 has no attribute __dotbar__' exception; this
isn't significant.  

So, rather than add a whole bunch of new operators to the core, I'd
first want to see the alternative syntax implemented through a hacked
parser and *in use by a significant community*, and then we can
consider what bits from it to add to the core.  

--amk