[IPython-user] Re: [IPython-dev] I need feedback: new escape for @magics?

[Fernando Perez]

Pearu Peterson schrieb:
>>From a rapid typing point of view, the following symbols are close to
> a forefinger:

Note that 'rapid' typing isn't a tight requirement, as in most cases magics 
are auto detected.  It is only in the situation where a python variable with 
the name of a magic exists that explicit escaping is needed, so most users 
should never really have to use the magic escape.  For this reason, I'm 
willing to choose a character which is sligthly less accessible finger-wise, 
if the choice has other benefits.

>  []\-+_=';
> Also
>  `~#$|
> are convinient to use.
> 
> If there should be no overlap with python syntax then 
>  [\-'`~+_;# 
> are out.

Well, -\+ could still be OK: they are binary ops, so a standalone +foo on a 
line is not valid python.  But I don't want to use \, I really think that the 
universal C escape character should be left alone (don't get me started on the 
stupidity of DOS/windows using it as a path separator!).  -+ are valid as 
filename characters, so I'd rather not use them.

> Only
>  =$|
> are still in.

$ is used by pysh already, so that's out.

I just saw Francesc's new message, I'd forgotten about &.  So I think we're 
down to:

%magic
&magic

Both of these look good to me.  Opinions on typeability from international 
keyboards?  They are just about equivalent on a US one.  I marginally prefer 
%, but it's a small thing (and unjustified, it's only a gut feeling).

Votes, opinions?  I'd like to say already thanks for the feedback, I really 
appreciate it.  This is one of those little problems where more eyes can help 
make a sensible decision.  Thanks to all for taking the time :)

Best,

f