How do I do this? (eval() on the left hand side)

[Peter Hansen]

Caleb Hattingh wrote:
> I am convinced now that locals() doesn't work as (I) expected.  Steven  
> says there was some or other reason why locals() as used in this 
> context  is not writable - Do you know why this is?  I really do not 
> like  guidelines like "may not work", "is unreliable" and so on.  
> Perhaps this  is a character flaw, but I really do like to know what 
> works, when it  works, and when it doesn't work.

Those who've talked about it being "unreliable" are misstating
the Rule that you are looking for.  I'll quote it below, so
that you aren't left in this unfortunate state of limbo:

The Rule of locals()
    Updating locals() should not be done.  Treat the
    return value of locals() as read-only.  Never try
    to update it.  End of story.

Anything that appears to suggest that locals() might sometimes
actually be writable is not really happening.  Look the other
way.  Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.  And
especially, whatever else you do, don't let the PSU se