[Numpy-discussion] packaging scipy (was Re: Simple financial functions for NumPy)

[Travis E. Oliphant]

Stéfan van der Walt wrote:
> Hi Chris
>
> On 09/04/2008, Christopher Barker <Chris.Barker at noaa.gov> wrote:
>   
>>  I have yet to advocate that the Matlab users in my group (The Scientists
>>  that happen to need a bit of programming, but have no interest in it)
>>  start using Python, but, frankly, "import *", and minor syntax like that
>>  has nothing to do with it. Aside from the fact that they are already
>>  familiar with Matlab, the big issues are the fact that there is no one
>>  thing they can install to get an IDE, complete and well integrated
>>  plotting, and extensive library of assorted functions.
>>
>>  Numpy+Scipy+MPL+Who-knows-what-editor are close, but the ease of use is
>>  not there yet, and it's NOT because of too many namespaces.
>>     
>
> I'm toying with the idea of having our students install SAGE this
> year.  This would give them a great framework for interactive
> experimentation.  I am worried, however, that it would keep them from
> learning how to write standalone Python code, with proper structure in
> terms of classes etc. -- SAGE is not an IDE after all.  On the other
> hand it does address the packaging issue.
>   

<shamless plug> So does the Enthought Python Distribution. </shameless_plug>

-Travis