[Python-Dev] Proto-PEP for maintaining backward compatibility

[Guido van Rossum]

> > > > Suppose that the .pyc file
> > > > format changes in a backwards incompatible way (we're considering this
> > > > too) and suppose modulefinder has to be changed.  I think it should be
> > > > possible to do that without consideration for older Python versions.
> > 
> > > In this case I propose to add it to the standard library
> > 
> > That's a non-sequitur.
> 
> I don't understand what you mean.
> What I mean is:
> If modulefinder provides functionality outside the freeze tool,
> and if it is maintained anyway, why not add it to the library?

My "Suppose that..." was in the context of the freeze tool.  Since
modulefinder.py looks in .pyc files, it has to track the .pyc file
format, hence it cannot be required to be 1.5.2 compatible.

Only *you* are claiming that it is useful outside the freeze tool.

--Guido van Rossum (home page: http://www.python.org/~guido/)