Ann: ActivePython 2.1 (build 210)

[haaserd]

I am confused about the different Python distributions and how they fit (or
don't fit) together.  I have been using BeOPen Python 2.0 for awhile and
recently downloaded ActiveState Komodo.  Komodo seems to come with it's own
Python 2.0, but doesn't appear to have the doc folder or Idle (I am a
Windows user).

Even more confusing, Komodo appears to be using the BeOpen Python because I
added PIL to it.  I haven't located PIL in Komodo's Python, but I can access
the PIL module.

And most recently, I have just started tinkering with Zope, which appears to
have its own Python 1.5.

So how does ActivePython fit into this scheme?  Will I be able to eliminate
the BeOpen and the Komodo Pythons (and continue to use Komodo and Idle)?

Roger Haase



Paul Prescod wrote:

> We are pleased to announce ActivePython 2.1 (build 210), a distribution
> of Python 2.1.
>
> http://www.activestate.com/ASPN/Downloads/ActivePython/
>
> ActivePython contains a superset of the functionality available in the
> reference distribution of Python. It has been tested on a variety of
> platforms including various variants of Windows 9X, NT and 2000, Red Hat
> and Debian.
>
> Highlights of ActivePython 2.1:
>
>  On all platforms:
>
>   * full Python 2.1 support (100% compatible)
>   * rebuilt package repository including Numeric, PIL, PyXML, etc.
>   * bundled XML parser and zlib compression library
>
>  On Win32:
>
>  * interactive win32 module browser
>  * bundled Tk
>  * enhanced version of the bundled Pythonwin environment
>  * upgraded win32 extensions
>
> ActivePython 2.1 also supports all of the new features of Python 2.1,
> including:
>
>  * "weak references" facility for implementing caches and other similar
> data structures.
>  * richer comparison mechanism
>  * warning framework
>  * new module documentation extraction facility
>  * ability to refer to variables from any containing scope.
>  * unit testing features
>  * faster line by line file reading
>
> We at ActiveState are proud to provide ActivePython to the Python
> community!
>
>  Paul Prescod
>  ActivePython Technical Lead
> --
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