[Pytables-users] Unbound nodes + children as items sample code.

[Ivan V. i B. <iv...@ca...>]

Hi all!  There has been quite a lot of discussion on the topics of
natural naming, __getattr__ vs.  __getitem__ and unbound nodes on the
last week.  Since verbal descriptions seem to be incomplete most of the
time, or simply misleading, I've decided to make a sample implementation
as a proof of concept for those topics.  Basically, the attached code
does:

  * define a new Node class from which Group and Leaf inherit.
  * allow nodes to be created unbound and then be bound to a group by
    simple assigning.  Nodes are not allowed to handle data while
    unbound, but a partial hierarchy can be built using unbound nodes
    (this last feature might be more difficult to implement in
    PyTables).
  * allow quasi-arbitrary node names in a group.  They can always be
    accessed using __{get,set,del}item__, also using
    __{get,set,del}attr__ if they match natural naming conventions.
  * put every group child name in its __dict__, to allow the user to see
    all possibilities on completion (although some of them may actually
    be not accessed using dot notation).
  * only allow Node objects in a Group.

Please try to read the whole code.  It is quite straightforward and
simple.  Don't be frightened by its length, there's a lot of blank lines
in there. ;)

    Hope this helps to clarify some things.  Of course, suggestions are
accepted.

Regards,
    Ivan

import disclaimer
-- 
Ivan Vilata i Balaguer   >qo<   http://www.carabos.com/
       Cárabos Coop. V.  V  V   Enjoy Data
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