Glossary cleanup

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Raymond Hettinger 2010-09-01 22:21:36 +00:00
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@ -134,10 +134,9 @@ Glossary
For more information about descriptors' methods, see :ref:`descriptors`. For more information about descriptors' methods, see :ref:`descriptors`.
dictionary dictionary
An associative array, where arbitrary keys are mapped to values. The use An associative array, where arbitrary keys are mapped to values. The keys
of :class:`dict` closely resembles that for :class:`list`, but the keys can can be any object with :meth:`__hash__` function and :meth:`__eq__`
be any object with a :meth:`__hash__` function, not just integers. methods. Called a hash in Perl.
Called a hash in Perl.
docstring docstring
A string literal which appears as the first expression in a class, A string literal which appears as the first expression in a class,
@ -186,9 +185,11 @@ Glossary
:term:`abstract base class`. :term:`abstract base class`.
floor division floor division
Mathematical division discarding any remainder. The floor division Mathematical division that rounds down to nearest integer. The floor
operator is ``//``. For example, the expression ``11//4`` evaluates to division operator is ``//``. For example, the expression ``11 // 4``
``2`` in contrast to the ``2.75`` returned by float true division. evaluates to ``2`` in contrast to the ``2.75`` returned by float true
division. Note that ``(-11) // 4`` is ``-3`` because that is ``-2.75``
rounded *downward*. See :pep:`238`.
function function
A series of statements which returns some value to a caller. It can also A series of statements which returns some value to a caller. It can also
@ -196,7 +197,7 @@ Glossary
the body. See also :term:`argument` and :term:`method`. the body. See also :term:`argument` and :term:`method`.
__future__ __future__
A pseudo module which programmers can use to enable new language features A pseudo-module which programmers can use to enable new language features
which are not compatible with the current interpreter. which are not compatible with the current interpreter.
By importing the :mod:`__future__` module and evaluating its variables, By importing the :mod:`__future__` module and evaluating its variables,
@ -214,13 +215,13 @@ Glossary
generator generator
A function which returns an iterator. It looks like a normal function A function which returns an iterator. It looks like a normal function
except that values are returned to the caller using a :keyword:`yield` except that it contains :keyword:`yield` statements for producing a series
statement instead of a :keyword:`return` statement. Generator functions a values usable in a for-loop or that can be retrieved one at a time with
often contain one or more :keyword:`for` or :keyword:`while` loops which the :func:`next` function. Each :keyword:`yield` temporarily suspends
:keyword:`yield` elements back to the caller. The function execution is processing, remembering the location execution state (including local
stopped at the :keyword:`yield` keyword (returning the result) and is variables and pending try-statements). When the generator resumes, it
resumed there when the next element is requested by calling the picks-up where it left-off (in contrast to functions which start fresh on
:meth:`__next__` method of the returned iterator. every invocation.
.. index:: single: generator expression .. index:: single: generator expression
@ -265,9 +266,7 @@ Glossary
IDLE IDLE
An Integrated Development Environment for Python. IDLE is a basic editor An Integrated Development Environment for Python. IDLE is a basic editor
and interpreter environment which ships with the standard distribution of and interpreter environment which ships with the standard distribution of
Python. Good for beginners, it also serves as clear example code for Python.
those wanting to implement a moderately sophisticated, multi-platform GUI
application.
immutable immutable
An object with a fixed value. Immutable objects include numbers, strings and An object with a fixed value. Immutable objects include numbers, strings and
@ -369,7 +368,8 @@ Glossary
mapping mapping
A container object (such as :class:`dict`) which supports arbitrary key A container object (such as :class:`dict`) which supports arbitrary key
lookups using the special method :meth:`__getitem__`. lookups using the special method :meth:`__getitem__`. Mappings also
support :meth:`__len__`, :meth:`__iter__`, and :meth:`__contains__`.
metaclass metaclass
The class of a class. Class definitions create a class name, a class The class of a class. Class definitions create a class name, a class