Case sensitivity

[rzed]

Alex Martelli wrote:
> Lexy Zhitenev wrote:
>    ...
>> Beginners should get used to this style of programming, like they
>> get used to block idents in Python. That is my opinion.
>
> So introduce a beginner to the excellent and very useful
> module mx.DateTime and explain to him, or her, how and
> why he or she needs to memorize (or continuosly check or
> try) that the functions named (e.g.) 'today', 'localtime',
> or 'add_century' MUST be lowercase, while (e.g.) functions
> 'TimeFrom' and 'Age' and 'Time' MUST be mixed-case.  Pah.
>
> Where's the added value in requiring all of this extra
> memorization or checking?!  Not only of beginners, but of
> all who use this deservedly popular module, too -- and
> of course many other modules.  Really, case sensitivity
> gives no substantial added-value, it's just a small but
> negative impact on programmer productivity.  Pity.  It
> won't go away, so it's silly to keep debating it uselessly.
> But let's not kid ourselves that it's a GOOD thing, pls.
>
>

I agree with your hint that a consistent naming convention would be a
good thing, but in truth, it's not hard to explain case sensitivity
(or the need for it) to people who use the convention in their own
names.

Explain to a beginner why Coke is not the same as coke. People make
the distinction all the time. Who's to say it's either good or bad?
It's just something people do.

--
rzed