Namespaced Flags? about abseil-py HOT 1 CLOSED

Hi Warren,

Yes they should be globally unique within an application. They are essentially global variables, and they can be changed anywhere in the program. I think namespaces are outside the scope of absl.flags.

Also, we usually don't use . in flag names, as flags are accessed via FLAGS.name.

For libraries authors, we suggest avoiding flags if possible. Use things like extra parameters to functions / class constructors so that:

1. it avoids introducing a global variable;
2. the end client can choose to either 1) not expose a flag at all; 2) choose whatever name they like.

If one must, try using a more unique name than debug.

Hope this helps.

from abseil-py.