inconsistent value from __builtins__

[Alex Martelli]

Michael Hohn <hohn at hooknose.lbl.gov> wrote:
   ...
> >>> print type(builtin_check.get_global_binding('__builtins__'))
> <type 'dict'>
> >>> print type(__builtins__)
> <type 'module'>
   ...
> Is this difference in return value intentional?

Well, it's _documented_ that '__builtins__' can be either a dictionary
or a module, and it's been that way for a long time.  Whether it's
intentional (or sensible), I don't know.  In any case, the idea is that
if you need to access the built-in namespace directly, you should start
with "import __builtin__" (note, no 's') which will definitely give you
a module.  Yeah, it _is_ somewhat confusing:-(.


Alex