Converting a string to the most probable type

[Pierre Quentel]

Hi,

I would like to know if there is a module that converts a string to a
value of the "most probable type" ; for instance :
- if the string is "abcd" the value is the same string "abcd"
- string "123" : value = the integer 123
- string "-1.23" (or "-1,23" if the locale for decimals is ,) : value
= the float -1.23
- string "2008/03/06" (the format is also locale-dependant) : value =
datetime.date(2008,03,06)

Like in spreadsheets, special prefixes could be used to force the
type : for instance '123 would be converted to the *string* "123"
instead of the *integer* 123

I could code it myself, but this wheel is probably already invented

Regards,
Pierre