-14

This is a major pet peeve of mine. Somebody posts a question for Python 3.x, but doesn't state that they're running 3.x. There's very few context clues at all, in fact. I, with my knowledge of Python 2.7, try to answer the question from that standpoint. My answer attracts more questions, though, when I'm using print statements with no parentheses, raw_input instead of input, and that weird, funky reduce thing.

Here's the root issue at hand: Because Python 2.x and Python 3.x are nearly incompatible, should the python tag be removed/retired/disambiguated so that all new questions describe which version of Python they use?

6
  • 10
    No keep the python tag. If you're uncertain which version the OP is using, you can always ask for clarification in the comments, or sometimes it's possible to find hints within the OP's code. I usually try to answer with both versions in mind (writing a version compatible solution), or I would provide two solutions if absolutely necessary. Commented Dec 7, 2017 at 23:44
  • What benefit does keeping the tag provide, as opposed to the two [python-2.x] and [python-3.x] tags? While I admit that an inexperienced user of python might not know which version they're using (and thus won't be able to post,) the majority of python users understand which version they're on. Commented Dec 7, 2017 at 23:53
  • 1
    @JakobLovern: "What benefit does keeping the tag provide" Well, it provides the benefit of not having to retag the no doubt thousands of questions that already use it. Commented Dec 7, 2017 at 23:55
  • @NicolBolas 811,539, at the moment. You have a valid point. Commented Dec 8, 2017 at 0:10
  • 2
    I think the best idea would be to use python in combination with python-2.x or python-3.x in the case of the questions where the version is relevant. But the question is useful, and the answer is "no". Commented Dec 8, 2017 at 1:20
  • 1
    I normally see the python tag used together with python-2.x and python-3.x. No need to remove it. Commented Dec 8, 2017 at 2:25

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
10

There already exists ways to help disambiguate these questions:

  • the tag which can be added to questions
  • commenting to the OP and asking them to specify their version (and flagging as "unclear" if it's unclear if they're using one version or the other, and an answer hinges on a specific version)

Removing the overall tag would be a poor solution to what really isn't a problem. The only thing we can ask is that the OP provide relevant information (which would readily include interpreter version); not doing so can result in their question being closed.

0

You must log in to answer this question.

Start asking to get answers

Find the answer to your question by asking.

Ask question

Explore related questions

See similar questions with these tags.