The Python way (was: If you want X, you know where to find it (was Re: do...until wisdom ) needed...)

[Carlos Ribeiro]

At 12:40 20/04/01 -0500, you wrote:
>In article <mailman.987782495.20933.python-list at python.org>,
>Paul Prescod  <paulp at ActiveState.com> wrote:
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> >filters might make sense. I claim that Python's success stems from
> >Guido's ability to find sweet spots in the middle: not too hard, not too
> >"dumbed down", not too performance-driven, not too slow. I'm not trying
> >to mediate the technical differences here but make the point that you
> >would never find the sweet spot by going at each other's throats.

I call this the "common sensical" approach from Guido. Everytime there is a 
compromise to be made, the Python community - under Guido leadership - 
makes a solid, well reasoned, practical decision. In fact, this is the 
*main* quality one needs to look for when looking at the success of open 
source projects. Linus Torvalds does act in a similar way, with great success.

Please bear in mind that I'm not comparing Guido and Linus; I dont know 
them well enough to make such a judgement. I'm only saying that the 
handling of the project decisions follow similar principles, that common 
sense plays a very strong role. This is one of the reasons behind the 
community respect of their leaders.

> >This makes it very difficult to figure out the answer to Python
> >technical issues through an appeal to first principles. So let's see a
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>I'll unsolicitedly (?) second that claim.
>
>'Just think Paul's wise words bear repeating.  Carry on.

Count me in :-)

Carlos Ribeiro