[Python-Dev] PEP 328: __path__

[Aahz]

On Sun, Apr 04, 2004, Guido van Rossum wrote:
>Aahz:
>>
>> I just realized that the new relative import semantics are likely to
>> interact oddly with uses of ``__path__``.  I therefore suggest that the
>> following text be added to PEP 328, although I'm perfectly happy to
>> adopt some other course:
>> 
>> Between the addition of ``as`` in Python 2.0 and the new syntax &
>> semantics for ``import``, there is no longer a need for ``__path__``, and
>> it is now officially deprecated.  In Python 2.4 and 2.5, changing
>> ``__path__`` raises ``PendingDeprecationWarning``.  In Python 2.6,
>> ``__path__`` becomes a read-only attribute.  In the presence of
>> ``absolute_import`` or with a relative import, ``__path__`` is ignored.
> 
> Uh?  Maybe you should have some coffee and then try again.

Don't drink coffee, remember?  ;-)

> __path__ has nothing to do with relative import.  When I say
> "import foo.bar" then bar is searched for in foo.__path__.  __path__
> defines which directories comprise the package contents, nothing more
> or less.

Yeah, I know; I think that ``as`` combined with relative imports can
obviate most uses for ``__path__``, but I'm now dealing with a family
emergency, so I'm going to just drop it.
-- 
Aahz (aahz at pythoncraft.com)           <*>         http://www.pythoncraft.com/

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