Re: [tlug] ruby and python in Japan

[Edward Middleton <emiddleton@??>]

Stephen J. Turnbull wrote:
>  > treating Python as if it were Ruby takes a bit of work--for instance,
>  > you can't casually reopen a previously-defined class and change it like
>  > you can with Ruby).
> 
> I've always considered that a feature, not a bug; that's what derived
> classes are for.

The problem with derived classes is that existing classes reference the
parent not the derived class so you can't change a feature without
deriving all the classes associated with it.  There is obviously the
potential to misuse this feature, but it is useful when it is needed.
This feature can be very useful for both debugging and for fixing bugs
or slightly altering the behavior of external libraries.

Edward