[Pythonmac-SIG] Teething troubles - Getting up an running on a mac

[Kevin Walzer]

Thomas Philips wrote:

> Item 1. I downloaded and installed 2.5.2 from python.org. Runs fine, it
> installed a MacPython directory under applications, which has a few icons,
> including IDLE. However, I have absolutely NO idea where all the Python
> files are kept.

/Library/Frameworks/Python
> 
> Question 1: How can I locate the Python installation? There a few files
> under Applications > MacPython 2.5, but this is clearly not the entire
> installation.

Those are just the GUI bits, see above.
> 
> Question 2: In Finder, If I click on Search For > Past week, I can see a
> sequence of folders under the horizontal scroll bar at the bottom of the
> window, allowing me to determine that some files that were placed under
> Applications > MacPython 2.5> Extra> Demo. But I do not seem to be able to
> see the sequence of folders under the horizontal scroll bar in any finder
> window. What do I need to do to make the folder sequence visible in all
> Finder Windows?

Finder doesn't work that way--not sure what to tell you.
> 
> 
> Item 2. I downloaded and installed the SciPy superpack from
> Macinscience,org. Scipy seems to import correctly into the Python 2.5.1 that
> comes with the Mac, but i cannot import it into MacPython 2.5.2.

Looks like it works with the System Python, not the one you installed?

> 
> Question 3. What do I have to do in order to make SciPy work with both
> Python 2.5.1 (that comes with the Mac) and 2.5.2 (that I installed myself)?
> 
You can't. They have different library paths.

> 
> Item 3. I accidentally clicked on something (not sure what) and suddenly
> found the path to the numpy folder was Macintosh HD > Developer > SDKs >
> MacOSX10.5.sdk>System>
> Library>Frameworks>Python.framework>Versions>2.5>extras>lib>Python>numpy.
> This is insane!!! Where would the superpack have installed SciPy, and how
> can I find it?

Ask the Macsinscience developers.
> 
> Question 4. How do I get MacPython 2.5.2 to see SciPy, NumPy etc.
> Question 5. How can I find the current value of the PYTHONPATH environment
> variable, and how can I edit it and add a directory in which I keep my
> Python programs.

Not sure. Pythonpath is more used on Unix, not on OS X.
> Question 6. Apparently there's a Property List Editor that must be used to
> create a file called ~ /.MacOSX/environment.plist. I can't find a directory
> called ~/.MacOSX. Is this a hidden directory?

Yes.
> 
> 
> Item 4. I opened a terminal window, and typed ipython. Here's what I got:
> 
> Welcome to IPython. I will try to create a personal configuration directory
> where you can customize many aspects of IPython's functionality in:
> 
> /Users/tom/.ipython
> WARNING:
> Installation error. IPython's directory was not found.
> 
> Check the following:
> 
> The ipython/IPython directory should be in a directory belonging to your
> PYTHONPATH environment variable (that is, it should be in a directory
> belonging to sys.path). You can copy it explicitly there or just link to it.
> 
> IPython will create a minimal default configuration for you.
> Ipython actually runs once I hit enter, but I do not seem to be able to
> import and run my programs.
> 
> Question 7. What is this cryptic message all about? I'm completely confused.

Not sure. Looks like ipython doesn't see Python?
> 
> 
> I never thought I'd say this, but it actually seemed a lot easier to get
> Python and any associated programs up and running on Windows! I suspect that
> a large fraction of my troubles are due to the fact that I am brand new to
> the Mac and to Unix, but I bought the Mac in part because I thought that
> using it was effortless.

  It isn't the same as Windows and other Unixes, so it's not surprising 
that you're having some difficulty adjusting to the platform-specific 
quirks.Once you work through them, things should be smooth.

Kevin

-- 
Kevin Walzer
Code by Kevin
http://www.codebykevin.com