Bools and explicitness [was Re: PyWart: The problem with "print"]

[Michael Torrie]

On 06/05/2013 05:52 PM, Russ P. wrote:
> My comment shows you nothing about what I understand about names, 
> objects, and variables.

Yes that probably is true.

> You have chosen to question my understanding apparently because my
> point bothered you but you don't have a good reply. Then you link me
> with Rick for good measure. That's two ad hominems in three
> sentences.

Your statement didn't bother me.  I just felt, perhaps erroneously, that
such a comment needs clarification.  We get into trouble in python when
we get caught up in treating python names exactly like variables and
blame it on the lack of static typing.  In uni we looked at various
means of dealing with the name covering/hiding issue including renaming
or requiring that each binding be a unique name (meaning the second x =
"hello word" statement would be a runtime error).  Anyway, I got a bit
distracted by your example of using the same name twice with different
objects when the real issue that can cause pain is function call
parameter expectation.

My apologies for linking you to Rick.  You're right that was an
ad-hominem attack, though I didn't intend that!