In defence of 80-char lines

[Rui Maciel]

Steven D'Aprano wrote:

> Although PEP 8 is only compulsory for the Python standard library, many
> users like to stick to PEP 8 for external projects.
> 
> http://www.python.org/dev/peps/pep-0008/
> 
> With perhaps one glaring exception: many people hate, or ignore, PEP 8's
> recommendation to limit lines to 80 characters. (Strictly speaking, 79
> characters.)
> 
> 
> Here is a good defence of 80 char lines:
> 
> http://wrongsideofmemphis.com/2013/03/25/80-chars-per-line-is-great/


The now arbitrary 80-column limit is a remnant of the limitations built into 
ancient terminals.

Why not let the text editor auto-wrap the lines?  They can do that now.


Rui Maciel