[Types-sig] Re: PRE-PROPOSAL: Python Interfaces

[Jim Fulton]

This discussion should move to the types-sig, types-sig@python.org,
http://www.python.org/sigs/types-sig/.  I am cross posting to the
types sig.  Replies to this message should be posted to
types-sig@python.org and *not* to comp.lang.python.

Gordon McMillan wrote:
> 
> Paul Prescod writes:
> ...
> > By default, Python will be
> > dynamic and sections can be made static in order to increase their
> > safety or performance. If that can avoid the need to create a C
> > extension even half of the time, it will have paid for itself. I
> > would rather write my "inner loops" in statically typed Python than
> > in C or Java.
> 
> I wholeheartedly agree with Paul here. But I notice that his real
> concern (like mine) appears to be "performance". I know that Roger
> (and, I suspect, Jim F) are more concerned with "safety".

I'd like to draw a distinction between the interface proposal
and the "Optional Static Typing" proposal.  I think interfaces
would provide alot of benefits even if there were no argument/
variable type annotations.  Personally, I consider myself, uh, 
unenthusiastically open minded about "static typing".
 
> My suspicion is that, after a brief honeymoon, these two concerns
> will immediately start tugging in opposite directions. (Hmmm...  Jim
> "The Bear" Fulton vs Jim "The Bee" Hugunin; could be
> entertaining...).

I think they are two different problems and I expect different solutions.
They need not be competing.  If they are, then somethings wrong, IMO.

Jim


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