ENH: an example of a sandbox feature

pandas/core/config_init.py

@@ -238,3 +238,56 @@ def use_inf_as_null_cb(key):
 with cf.config_prefix('mode'):
     cf.register_option('use_inf_as_null', False, use_inf_as_null_doc,
                        cb=use_inf_as_null_cb)
+
+
+sb_xp_foo_doc = """
+: boolean
+    Enables a snazzy, but not yet stable feature that could use
+    some feedback before going into core.
+"""
+
+def sandbox(gh_issue_num,msg=None):
+    def inner(cb):
+        def f(key):
+
+            s = """
+This is an experimental feature being considered for inclusion in pandas core.
+We'd appreciate your feedback on it in the Github issue page:
+
+    http://github.com/pydata/pandas/issues/%d
+
+If you find this useful, lacking in major functionality or buggy please
+take a moment to let us know, so we can make pandas (even) better.
+
+Thank you,
+
+The Pandas dev team
+
+""" % gh_issue_num
+
+            if msg:
+                s += "P.S.\n\n" + msg
+
+            # don't print( the msessage on turn off
+            val = cf.get_option(key)
+            if val:
+                print(s)
+
+            return cb(key)
+
+        return f
+    return inner
+
+@sandbox(3274,msg= "love the hair.")
+def xp_foo_cb(key):
+    import pandas
+    val = cf.get_option(key)
+    if val:
+        from pandas.sandbox.xp import foo
+        pandas.DataFrame.foo = foo
+    else:
+        del pandas.DataFrame.foo
+
+with cf.config_prefix('sandbox'):
+        cf.register_option('experimental_feature', False, sb_xp_foo_doc,
+                       validator=is_bool, cb=xp_foo_cb)

pandas/sandbox/xp/__init__.py

@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+
+# monkey patched onto something, when the config options is enabled
+def foo(self):
+    print "Hi, I'm an experimental new method. grrrr!" % type(self)