[Pythonmac-SIG] How long until OS X Python is ready for primetime?

[Bugbee, Larry]

All this is goodness, but I wonder if we are speaking to David's =
original question.  If I recall correctly, he has a large genealogy =
program and the most likely user is a "computer-challenged senior =
citizen".  ...and that an *easy* download and installation is a must.

I don't have any hard data, but most of the seniors I know are on a =
limited/fixed incomes causing 56K to be a lot more common than ADSL or =
cable.  ..hence download size is a real factor.  Most seniors that I =
know, and there are exceptions, are lucky to have a machine, let alone a =
fast one.  ...and fast connections are equally rare. =20

Larry


-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Barker [mailto:Chris.Barker@noaa.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, December 03, 2002 4:05 PM
To: David Eppstein
Cc: Jack Jansen; pythonmac-sig@python.org
Subject: Re: [Pythonmac-SIG] How long until OS X Python is ready for
primetime?


David Eppstein wrote:
> Thanks (also to Fran=E7ois Granger) for the feedback.  I'd be willing =
to wait
> a month if the solution is likely to meet my needs better,

Note that you don't have to wait a month to start coding. All of the
mentioned solutions are available for use now, even if they are a bit
hard to install and get working. I think it's reasonable to be confident
that it will get all sorted out enough for your purposes within a few
months. Besides, with all the time you will save by not using C++, you
can help with the effort!

> but I'm a little
> worried about the "add wxPython or Tkinter" part -- if my users have =
to add
> that, it will significantly complicate the install process, but if I =
have
> to add it myself, it will I assume bloat the download size.

Yes, it will, and I warn you that wxPython is pretty large. However, you
need to think about how important it really is to have a small download.
5MB is just not the barrier that it once was for most folks. Also, once
tkINter gets stable, it is likely to be included with the default
Python, maybe even by Apple some day. TKinter is considered part of the
standard library other platforms. Having said that, I'd choose wxPython
or TkInter based on which one fits your needs better, rather than
getting too focused on an extra couple of megabytes of stuff to install.

The real question is whether you need Cross Platform capability. By
definition, anything cross platform is going to require some libraries
that do not come with the system. This is true for C and C++ as well. IN
fact, most of wxPython is actually wxWindows, the C++ library, which you
would need for a C++ app as well.

> Will try looking into PyObjC.  I don't mind a few rough edges on the
> developer side as long as the users don't have to see them.

That being the case, you can get started right away. If you do want
cross platform, I'd give wxPython a ggod look. All you need to do is
download the Mach-O python (and wxMacPython itself) from the wxPython
web site:

http://www.wxpython.org/download.php#binaries

-Chris


--=20
Christopher Barker, Ph.D.
Oceanographer
                                    	=09
NOAA/OR&R/HAZMAT         (206) 526-6959   voice
7600 Sand Point Way NE   (206) 526-6329   fax
Seattle, WA  98115       (206) 526-6317   main reception

Chris.Barker@noaa.gov

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