On 2006-09-13, John Henry <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Thanks for the reply, both to Laszlo and Steve. > > Okay, I understand what you're saying. > > But what if I need to make a "pointer" to a simple variable.
There's no such thing as a "simple variable". There are mutable objects and immutable objects. Names are bound to objects. x = 3 The name "x" is bound to an immutable integer object who's value is 3. > For instance, in C: > > int i=1 > int *j=&i > > *j = 2 > print i > > and you get 2 printed. > > In Python, > > i=1 The name "i" is bound to an immutable integer object who's value is 1. > j=i The name "j" is bound to an immutable integer object who's value is 1. That may or may not be the same object to which "i" is bound. > j=2 Now the name "j" is bound to an immutable integer object who's value is 2. Rebinding the name "j" to a different object has no effect on the object to which "i" is bound. > print i > > and you get 1 printed. Because you've changed neither the object to which "i" is bound nor the value of that object (you can't change the values of integer objects). > So, if I understand you correctly, I must make the reference > to a more elaborate representation. Like: > > i=[1,] > j=i > j[0]=2 > print i > > in order to get 2 printed. > > Correct? I suppose, for some values of "correct". You've bound the names "i" and "j" to the same mutable object, then mutated that object. Afterwards "i" and "i" still refer to that mutated object. That'll work as a rather clumsy imitation of the C code, but I don't really see what it is you're trying to accomplish. Trying to write C code using Python isn't going to be fun or productive[1]. When using Python, you should write Python code. ;) If you'll explain the actual problem you're trying solve for which you think you need C-style "pointers", then somebody will be happy to show you how that problem is solved using Python. [1] There are people here who probably think it fun, but only as a brain-teaser. -- Grant Edwards grante Yow! After THIS, let's go at to PHILADELPHIA and have visi.com TRIPLETS!! -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list