[Python-Dev] Proposed: add support for UNC paths to all functions in ntpath

[Eric Smith]

Michael Foord wrote:
> Larry Hastings wrote:
>>
>> I've written a patch for Python 3.1 that changes os.path so it handles 
>> UNC paths on Windows:
>>
>>   http://bugs.python.org/issue5799
> 
> +1 for the feature. I have to deal with Windows networks from time to 
> time and this would be useful.

+1 from me, too. I haven't looked at the implementation, but for sure 
the feature would be welcome.

>> In the interests of full disclosure: I submitted a patch providing this
>> exact behavior just over ten years ago.  GvR accepted it into Python
>> 1.5.2b2 (marked "*EXPERIMENTAL*") and removed it from 1.5.2c1.

>> In the intervening decade, two highly relevant things have happened:
>> * Python no longer uses ntpath for os.path on Cygwin.  Instead it uses
>>  posixpath.
>> * Cygwin removed the "//a/foo" drive letter hack.  In fact, I believe it
>>  now support UNC paths.
>> Therefore this patch will have no effect on Cygwin users.

Yes, cygwin supports UNC paths with //host/share, and they use 
/cygdrive/a, etc., to refer to physical drives. It's been that way for 
as long as I recall, at least 7 years.