[Idle-dev] IDLE in UK Schools

[Terry Reedy]

On 8/5/2015 3:16 PM, Al Sweigart wrote:
> We should definitely be open to make large design changes
> to benefit new programmers.

I have been dreaming of and working toward this for 5 years.
Learning source control and tkinter was a step.
PEP 434 was a step.
Adding a unittest framework and some tests (more needed) was a step. 
Adding a human test framework and nearly all needed tests was a step. 
Rethinking how to add ttk while keeping back compatibility was a step.
Persuading other core developers to accept the plan was, I hope, the 
last preparation step.  Now we just have to start doing it.

> Adding another checkbox to the configuration
> window makes IDLE more versatile, but it also brings it closer to a VCR
> with 50 buttons instead of an iPod with just the circle-wheel button.
> That's the opposite of what new programmers (both kids and adults) want.

Yet, we (I) constantly get requests to add options, or to add features 
that will only be added if made optional.  Consider
https://bugs.python.org/issue1207613
(and the closed duplicate) It is available as an optional extension. It 
could be added without needing the extension, but only as an option.

A phone home (help us improve the user experience) feature would have to 
be optional.

Until this week, I have never seen a request to remove options.

I am, however, in favor of simplification, at least on the item by item 
(scalpel) level.  I agree to combining Shell and Run menus.  At present, 
if a person open Idle in edit-only mode, there is no way to open Shell 
without running the file. Mark had two good ideas: simplify Configure 
Extensions and then merge it back into the main dialog.  I think we 
should simplify more by removing some of the options, such as being able 
to disable Run Module.  With one dialog again, why not open it when 
Options is clicked, instead of requiring a separate click on 'Idle 
preferences'?  I already said I think we could be rid of the 'go to 
line' box.  We might also make 'go to file/line' visual and eliminate 
the option from Debug and context menus.  Half the content of Stack 
Viewer should go. I think Debug only needs one StackViewer entry.  There 
is some duplication between the two browsers and also, I believe, some 
inconsistency.  Some of these should be easy issues.

-- 
Terry Jan Reedy