A Python class called "scalar" was designed to represent physical scalars and to eliminate errors involving implied physical units (e.g., confusing angular degrees and radians). The standard arithmetic operators are overloaded to provide syntax identical to that for built-in numerical types. The scalar class allows the user to easily define a set of appropriate physical units for any particular application or domain, and the units used internally are based on those selected by the user. Once an application has been developed and tested, the units can easily be switched off, if desired, to achieve the execution efficiency of built-in numerical types (which can be two orders of magnitude faster). The scalar class can also be used for discrete units to enforce type checking of integer counts, thereby enhancing the built-in dynamic type checking of Python.
I think you'll like it. Check it out and let me know if I'm right. And let me know if you have any problems. I've tested it to some extent, and I think it's in good shape, but I'd like to get some feedback from other users before I upgrade the beta version to a 1.0 release. Thanks. Go to http://RussP.org/scalar.htm to download the user guide and the code. -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-announce-list Support the Python Software Foundation: http://www.python.org/psf/donations.html
