locals() returns a dictionary including all the variables in the local function, so it is exactly equivalent to dict(grid=grid) in this case. See http://docs.python.org/library/functions.html#locals. In general, though, you should probably explicitly return just the variables you need to pass to the view.
Anthony On Wednesday, March 28, 2012 8:41:19 PM UTC-4, Andrew wrote: > > Hi , > > I've been wondering about the use of return locals() in the Forms chapter > of the book, particularly with grids > def manage_users(): > grid = SQLFORM.grid(db.auth_user) > return locals() > > Elsewhere in the book use see something like this for forms return dict( > form=form) > Would return dict(grid=grid) have given the same result as above? I know > a dict is required to automatically use a view with the a/c/f.html naming > standard, but what does locals() use ? > I think it would help to clarify this in the book? > > Core chapter has: > > *Return a dictionary for a view*: > > def index(): return dict(key='value') > > *Return all local variables*: > > def index(): return locals() > > > and also this: > > When an action returns a dictionary, web2py looks for a view with the name > > 1. > > [controller]/[function].[extension] > > and executes it. > Thanks > Andrew >
