[Python-Dev] Optionally using GMP to implement long if available

[Benjamin Peterson]

On Mon, Nov 3, 2008 at 11:56 AM, Paul Miller <paul.w.miller at wmich.edu> wrote:
> I've read some of the past discussion about including GMP into the
> python core and understand the reasons for not doing so.  Rather than
> that, what about patching Python's long implementation to use GMP if
> it's available, and the default implementation if not?  Are there any
> philosophical or technical objections to this?  If not, I would consider
> drafting a patch.

The main objection is that GMP is licensed under LGPL which I believe
conflicts with Python's very open license. Also, there would
incompatibilities between versions of Python that had GMP enabled and
those that didn't with regards to floating points.

>
> Thanks,
>
> Paul




-- 
Cheers,
Benjamin Peterson
"There's nothing quite as beautiful as an oboe... except a chicken
stuck in a vacuum cleaner."