[Python-Dev] Re: Stability and change

Mon, 8 Apr 2002 02:33:45 -0400

>>>>> "TP" == Tim Peters <tim.one@comcast.net> writes:

 TP> Don't think Linux is immune either. Upgrading gcc or glibc
 TP> can "suddenly break" programs that used to work fine. God has
 TP> a sense of humor about this, though: He usually arranges that
 TP> breakage show up first in obscure libm endcases <wink>.
Or upgrade a supposedly backwards compatible library, like, oh I
dunno, libz?
 >> ... We're really touching on much deeper flaws in software
 >> development, with no good answers, IMO.
 TP> Indeed so! Python's not the only thing that changes in
 TP> incompatible ways over time: *everything* does, including the
 TP> compilers, system libraries, system tools, and OS policies.
Heck, I wash my pillow and I can't sleep right for weeks.
 TP> For this reason, I suggest naming the hypothetical "forward
 TP> and backward compatible forever more" Python branch the
 TP> "Python Acrostics and Beekeeping" branch.
 TP> you-can't-spell-pablum-without-pab-ly y'rs - tim
Or how about the "Garth Releases" (named after character in Wayne's
World who utters the immortal truth "We fear change").
-Barry