[IPython-dev] Why .py files?

[Edward K. Ream]

Could someone please explain the fundamental requirement of section 3.1 
(files), namely:



"A basic requirement of this project will be that the Python notebooks shall 
be valid Python source files."



I think of a notebook as similar to a Mathematica notebook, namely



a) the notebook app itself (Mathematica), and

b) notebook files (.nb files), for use primarily by the notebook app.



In this context, I would suppose the following:



- What counts is the user experience in the notebook app.



- The natural format for notebook files today would be xml.



- Most 'computing' (or scripting) would be done in the notebook app.  Why 
are separate .py files essential?



- The notebook app will have filters to produce .pdf, etc.  Why not have a 
filter to produce .py files?



Thanks.


Edward
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Edward K. Ream   email:  edreamleo at charter.net
Leo: http://webpages.charter.net/edreamleo/front.html
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