Should I use Python for these programs?

[CC]

Hi:

I have considerable C and assembly language experience.  However, these 
are mostly on embedded microcontrollers since I moved away from PC 
programming all the way back in 1988 :-O

I wish to accomplish a few PC programming tasks, and am considering to 
learn Python:

1.  Develop a simple GUI program to run on Linux and Windows which can 
send parameters and small blocks of data to an embedded microcontroller 
device via RS-232 or USB.  Also display simple data (probably single 
numbers) sent from the device.

Note, if it is USB, then the client will be implemented by me using FTDI 
chips that appear to the PC as a serial port.

2.  Develop a simple vector drawing program that will allow one to 
freehand draw a sketch composed of a few lines, or perhaps render text 
in a vector form.  Then sample the lines with a certain (user 
configurable) spacing, and use the mouse to move the sample points along 
the lines to tweak the sample locations if desired.  Then output a file 
of X,Y coordinates for the samples.

What is this crazy thing for?  It's to develop simple lasershow vector 
frames.  I am also designing a DSP-based lasershow output device, so the 
same capabilities of delivering a data payload over serial/USB to a 
target device will be needed here as well.

I would prefer to be able to write a program that is cross-platform 
between Linux and Windows.  I realize this might be especially 
problematic with the serial comms.

I am also confused by the plethora of Python GUI extensions, though 
Tkinter seems like a likely candidate.  I am uncertain if I will have 
difficulty learning how to use this if I don't know Tcl/Tk.

Do you think Python is the right language for these projects?

Any input will be appreciated.


-- 
_____________________
Christopher R. Carlen
crobc at bogus-remove-me.sbcglobal.net
SuSE 9.1 Linux 2.6.5