Input-Output to web pages, Jython? Zope? Tkinter? JavaScript? Advice???

[Ron Stephens]

I am a relative newbie who has now coded a few scripts that I really
like. The only thing that is too crude for my taste is the data input
from the user and output to the user, as I am simply using raw-input,
input, and print. I tried Tkinter but while I am doing great with
Python, I am not so good with Tkinter at all; besides I would like to
make my programs accessible from my website, and so I think Tkinter may
not be of any use to me anyway, so rather than continue to struggle with
Tkinter, I am exploring other options.

I have given it some thought and I see some options, all involving some
learning and work on my part, and would appreciate help in choosing
which alternative may work best:

1. Jython. If I translate my programs to Jython, will the simple Python
input and output instructions work? If so, will they work as Java
applets? In other words, if I compile my Python programs into Java
applets, will I be able to embed the resulting Java applets in my web
page and have the input and output work as client side applets? If not,
are there viable alternatives? JavaScript and HTML forms for
input-output? Any advice or comments appreciated.

2. Zope. My web site hosting service does not allow CGI. Rather than
switch to a hosting service that allows me to use CGI (and rather than
switch to a service that allows me to run my own web server and use
server side Python), can I set up a Zope server on my home machine. I
have cable modem and my ISP seems to give me an always-on numerical IP
address that always stays the same. Can I set up Zope, and have a link
from my web page to my home IP address just to run the Python scripts
interactively? I have set up Zope but can not figure out yet how to
connect to it remotely.

3. Is there a simpler Python web server program that will allow me to do
what I discuss in (2) above in a simpler, easier way? I do not need much
functionality at all from such a web server, and expect very low volume.

4. Alternatively, am I overlooking any other ways of accomplishing what
I want? Basically, all I want is to take working Python programs and
have them function as client side apps from my existing web page.

5. Failing all of the above, how hard would it be to set up a web server
with a unique url from my home machine using my cable modem connection
using Zope or some other Python program? I hope I do not have to go this
route yet, but maybe someday.

I am willing (and even excited) to spend considerable time learning how
to do this, but it would be nice to receive knowledgeable advice about
which way to go before I invest many hours and days of study, in hopes
of going a good route. Also, am I deluding myself by trying to use
Python as my base technology to do this kind of thing, or would I be
better off just abandoning Python and using, say, JavaScript? I am
capable of using simple JavaScript and HTML forms to accomplish this,
and that would solve the problem of how to make it all function as
client side web scripts; but I really hate to program in Javascript now
that I have experienced how much more fun and productivity I can enjoy
by using Python.

Any advice???

Ron Stephens