[Python-ideas] PEP 8 update on line length
Terry Reedy
tjreedy at udel.edu
Tue Feb 19 00:09:18 EST 2019
On 2/18/2019 11:37 PM, Simon wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I'd like to propose an update to PEP8. Indeed, the 80 characters per
> line guideline is, I feel, outdated.
Strictly speaking, PEP8 applies only to CPython stdlib code. Please
read the introduction. Adapt it as you will for your code.
> I understand the need for it, back when monitors were small, and
> everyone coded on terminals, but nowadays, I feel like that guideline is
> more of a hinderance, and that it promotes poor code.
The majority of core developers, to whom PEP 8 applies, seem to disagree.
> Indeed, people abiding by this rule tend to choose shorter variable
> names, reduce the amount of indentation, and other tricks to just keep
> the character count under 80. I think a 100 or even 120 suggested
> characters per line count is much more realistic by today's standards.
> It still allow for the code to be completely displayed, even on just
> half of a screen.
Do you every print on paper? In tiny type? Or sideways?
Anyway, 3 80-column windows side-by-side is really nice. For instance,
shell, code file, test file.
--
Terry Jan Reedy
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