[Pythonmac-SIG] a beginner's list (Or: everyone's talking; no-one's listening)

[Bill Janssen]

> However, I think a consensus is building:

Yeah, among the usual suspects.

>    -- define the Framework installer for 2.4 as the "standard" and most 
> supported python for OS-X. (the existing build for 10.3 and the 
> universal build for 10.4)

I completely disagree with this.  The "standard" is what comes with
the OS; by default that's the "most supported" python -- every Mac has
it.  I certainly have no problem with pointing out to people that it's
a few years old, and that there are packages which can be downloaded
and installed to provide an additional side-by-side version that's
newer and better.  If you're unhappy with what's in the stdlib and
what's not, go gripe on python-dev via PEPs and reasoned discussion.
(I, for instance, think that there should be a standard portable GUI
toolkit, based on pycairo, in the stdlib.)

However, I think a lot of the confusion around this topic is that when
you install 2.4.x, there are now two Pythons on your Mac, and they get
in each other's way unless you are careful.  Someone should be more
than just a script writer to get into that situation.  I think
installing a second version of Python on the Mac should be restricted
to folks who need it or want it; it shouldn't be encouraged in
general.

>    -- also provide at least a quick tutorial for newbies, based on the 
> built-in Python, and put a link to it near the top of the main page.

I'd put it *on* the main page, on top, and I'll volunteer to write it.
Maybe I already did write it.

>    -- At the end of that tutorial, give an explanation of why (and when) 
> one might want to install the newer build of Python for further work.

Exactly.  Great idea.  One thing I'd add, between the two, is a short
example of installing an additional package, like PIL or reportlab, using
the Terminal.  Perhaps these steps:

1)  Using Python with the stdlib.

2)  Adding an external package to the standard Python.

3)  Adding a more recent version of Python.  How to do it and what to
    watch out for.

4)  Mongo packages, like Scientific Python, pre-built with a newer Python.

5)  Mac-specific tools, like bundlebuilder and py2app and PyObjC.

Bill