[IPython-dev] [IPython-user] Twisted support?

[Brian Granger]

>> So thats mean only window builds are working..
>> Is there going to be support for twisted reactor in upcoming release?
>
> If someone wants to work on it, yes. I don't think it's a big deal to
> fix, it just needs someone that cares enough about the functionality
> to do the necessary testing and fixing.

There are some subtleties about this lurking.  The main issue is that
we are already in some cases running the Twisted reactor in IPython
using a very careful and particular model.  If someone tries to run
the reactor in a different manner, everything will blow up.

My suggestion is this:  if someone wants to run the reactor in IPython
there are two likely scenarios:

1.  (please don't take offense at this, I have been this person for
most of my Twisted using life) The user thinks they want to run the
reactor in IPython, but really it would not behave how they want it
too (most people in this scenario want to block on the result of a
deferred, which is broadly speaking not possible)

2.  The user is a Twisted ninja and they understand the issues
involved.  These users should ask us: "how does IPython run the
Twisted event loop and how can I use this."

(yes I understand that this sounds like some sort of secret knowledge
cult thing going on.  Twisted can be like that at times).

If someone does want to make it easier to pursue (2), the main thing
we need is someone to try things out and write some good documentation
about how it all works.  That would be fantastic and we are more than
willing to help.

Cheers,

Brian