New Python User Question about Python.

[Paul Rubin]

"Tim Peters" <tim.one at home.com> writes:
> Earlier this year I spent two intense weeks *just* trimming runtime fat out
> of Python's dict implementation.  Do you have an idea what it takes to
> undertake a comprehensive optimization project?  I'll immodestly claim that
> I do, and I see no way for PythonLabs to get there from here.  The best hope
> you've got for major Python speedups is the vague hope that Python can
> piggyback on some other group's work.  Short of that, you'll see a sequence
> of small but achievable improvements.  In other words, the next 10 years
> will probably look like the last 10, surprisingly similar to real life in
> that respect <wink>.

I think if a Python compiler gets written, it will be part of a
completely new implementation.  I doubt if anyone's going to write one
real soon (don't look at me, I've only been using Python a week <grin>).

However, as Python matures and gets used in more types of
applications, I think the need for a compiler will increase.  So if
I'm asking for anything, it's just that those directing the evolution
of the language keep the thought in mind that Python will be compiled
some day, and avoid designing things into it that are excessively
interpreter-dependent.