Hi Max,
In Python, we prefer readability over anything else. The simpler you can
write it, the better it can be understood.
That said, I've never considered using (i, j, k) as a vector component
before. I've always done something akin to:
>>> vector = Vector(2, 4, 6)
>>> print (vector.normalize().y)
However, if you use the mathematical definition of a vector, with standard
symbols:
v = x*i + y*j + z*k
Then I believe vector.j is a much choice. As long as your documentation
states it's read-only, I think most mathematicians will love that notation.
.
As far as dot products go, there isn't really a big difference between the
two forms you have there. Both are equally as readable.
When C++ was invented people had already debated about the two forms.
There isn't a general consensus on this debate, but most would probably
agree that overloading the * operator of a vector to do dot product is a
bad idea, since some people want cross product, or per-component
multiplication. At the end of the day, dot() or dot_product() is more
readable, and it doesn't matter if you have it as a function in or outside
of a vector's class.
Cheers,
Xav
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