Reference

[Ben Finney]

Marko Rauhamaa <marko at pacujo.net> writes:

> Steven D'Aprano <steve+comp.lang.python at pearwood.info>:
> > Both the Jython and CPython id() functions are compliant with the
> > language definition. The Jython id() function is better, because it
> > doesn't encourage people to mistakenly and foolishly imagine that
> > id() equals address.
>
> I agree with everything (how could I not) except the foolishness part:
> what bad consequence is there for "imagining" that id() equals
> address?

It is a false inference.

A reference-compliant implementation can contradict your inference (by
returning an object identity that is *not* the object's memory address).
Any code you've written based on that false inference will break.

The fault will be yours, for inferring an assertion that isn't implied
by the definition.

-- 
 \       “The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold |
  `\       in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think |
_o__)             differently.” —Friedrich Nietzsche, _The Dawn_, 1881 |
Ben Finney