[Python-modules-team] Bug#841726: ipython3: importing something from ipython has side effects

[Dominik George]

Hi,

> > Certainly, a module breaking the core Python interpreter qualifys for
> > "makes unrelated software break"?
> A module breaking the core Python interpreter only after being imported? 
> Do you have any other scenarios apart from "import all modules" ones?

Well, not technically, but, as already mentioned, "importing all modules" is
what completely normal things in core Python do when you don't expect it,
like help("modules").  Look at this:

8>< ---------------------- Console log -------------------------- ><8
nik at portux ~ % python3
Python 3.5.2+ (default, Sep 22 2016, 12:18:14) 
[GCC 6.2.0 20160927] on linux
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>> help("modules")

Please wait a moment while I gather a list of all available modules...

[…] Warnings from other misbehaving modules […]

[…] list of modules […]

Enter any module name to get more help.  Or, type "modules spam" to search
for modules whose name or summary contain the string "spam".

In : <-- ipdb shell here - and no Python help shell anymore!
8>< ---------------------- Console log -------------------------- ><8

It is arguable that importing all modules is bad, but it is a sad fact that
it is necessary to gather enough information about a module, and it is
another sad fact that Python has to do it in things like its online help
system.  While this certainly is something that has to be changed, I think
that module developers have to cope with the fact right now and do their
best to not wreak havoc in such a way as the one depicted above.

Cheers,
Nik

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