[META-SIG] Python a new opportunity.
JOE_ELLSWORTH@HP-Cupertino-om5.om.hp.com
JOE_ELLSWORTH@HP-Cupertino-om5.om.hp.com
Tue, 15 Jul 97 09:33:55 -0600
Python a new opportunity.
I have been watching Python for some time and it is apparent that
Python could benefit from a large group of new programmers. As such I
have would like to propose an idea that may help provide such a group.
I have began looking at an area of applications that are ideal
candidates for execution on the new class of Windows/CE palmtops such
as the HP/LX300. We have developed several applications for Laptops
that would be better deployed based on this new class of devices but
have no available development environments that would facilitate
moving these applications to the device and for the most part any
applications built for the CE are not portable or directly inter
operable to the desktop
My experience in the vertical application market space leads me to
believe that this group of devices will represent one of the fastest
growing application deployment segments during the next several years.
I believe Python and a TK look alike could fill this niche better than
currently available development tools and would benefit from doing so
by attracting a new group of previously inaccessible pragmatic
application developers. Of course marketing the availability of the
tool would be as important as making it available in the first place.
Some non trivial applications using the tool would also help.
The core MFC libraries are available for CE and as such a porting
effort should not be terribly difficult except for memory foot print
and access to a few proprietary features of the new device.
Features Needed to compete in this space:
Compatibility with Windows CE.
A base memory foot print less than 500K, ideally less than 300K.
multiple copies of interpreter should be able to share base
memory.
Built in extension libraries to support new object store.
This should be reflected
Built in GUI extension libraries to support
Ability to fetch files from a local PC or a remote network
source using the PC serial connection.
Built in extension library to support core GUI competency
of the CE class of devices which would be a primitive
grid widget and a sideways note tab container widget.
Extension library to support NT / UNIX inter operability.
Extension library to support inter operation with
the TAPI/IP programming interface.
Optional Enhancements that would improve Market acceptance:
Compatibility at source level with Newton.
A Python UNIX/NT server that can interact with client
A browser with better capability than IIE Light. (EG: Scripting).
A Javascript to Python Translator or Emulator.
An automated bridge to a ODBC data source residing on a
the partner PC. This could be done with a small python
server residing on the PC which accesses the ODBC data
source and proxies requests on behalf of the palmtop device.
I understand that this would represent a significant effort but the
rewards as per the number of new developers may be well worth the
investment.
See: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsce/developer/
http://www.hp.com/handheld/handheld_devices/index.html
http://www.casio-usa.com/html/products/handheldpc.html
http://www.newton-inc.com/product_info/product_info.html
If anybody develops such a tool I would be interested in alpha testing
it. My primary motivation is in having a more productive tool set
available for application deployment while encouraging success of GNU
style free software contribute to standards rather than having only
proprietary vendor supplied tools control this new segment.
Any feedback or different viewpoints would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Joe E.
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