[Python-Dev] Reworking the GIL

[Nick Coghlan]

Stefan Ring wrote:
> [2] http://www.bestinclass.dk/index.php/2009/10/python-vs-clojure-evolving/
> [3] www.dabeaz.com/python/GIL.pdf
> 
> PS On a slightly different note, I came across some Python bashing [2] yesterday
> and somehow from there to David Beazley’s presentation about the GIL [3]. While
> I don’t mind the bashing, the observations about the GIL seem quite unfair to me
> because David’s measurements have been made on Mac OS X with its horribly slow
> pthreads functions. I was not able to measure any slowdown on Linux.

We care about Mac OS X though, so even if the contention wasn't as bad
on a different OS, the Mac downsides matter.

With the GIL updates in place, it would be interesting to see that
analysis redone for 2.7/3.2 though.

Regards,
Nick.

P.S. As far as interest in the idea goes, the GIL is one of those areas
where it takes a fairly rare combination of interest, expertise and
established credibility to propose a change and get assent to it. You'll
notice that even Antoine had to resort to the "if nobody objects soon,
I'm checking this in" tactic to garner any responses. It's an area where
even those with relevant expertise still have to put aside a fair chunk
of time in order to properly review a proposed change :)

-- 
Nick Coghlan   |   ncoghlan at gmail.com   |   Brisbane, Australia
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