I understand the frustration with the crippled lambda. But with regard to len() and other global functions that seemingly belong as methods on string/array/etc.

I understand the frustration with the crippled lambda. But with regard to len() and other global functions that seemingly belong as methods on string/array/etc. -- it's worth reading Armin Ronacher's post on the rationale behind that: http://lucumr.pocoo.org/2011/7/9/python-and-pola/ http://lucumr.pocoo.org/2011/7/9/python-and-pola/