Best output type and encoding practices for __repr__() functions?

Question

Lately, I\'ve had lots of trouble with __repr__(), format(), and encodings. Should the output of __repr__() be encoded or be

Answer 1

I think a decorator can manage __repr__ incompatibilities in a sane way. Here's what i use:

from __future__ import unicode_literals, print_function
import sys

def force_encoded_string_output(func):

    if sys.version_info.major < 3:

        def _func(*args, **kwargs):
            return func(*args, **kwargs).encode(sys.stdout.encoding or 'utf-8')

        return _func

    else:
        return func


class MyDummyClass(object):

    @force_encoded_string_output
    def __repr__(self):
        return 'My Dummy Class! \N{WHITE SMILING FACE}'