[omaha] Which version of Python?

[Charles Kaminski]

Hi Steve,
I agree with you that those decisions should be shaped by the tools and
support around you.

>From my own experiences I can tell you that Python 2.5 has a number of
mature tools surrounding it to get you developing on it quickly.

   1. Most of the development out there currently supports 2.5.
   2. There's a great O'Reilly book by Mark Lutz for 2.5 called "Learning
   Python" that I highly recommend. The book assumes very little of the reader.
    Compared to other technical books, it's quite easy to follow.  My
   only criticism of the book (and it's a small one) is that its explanation of
   Python's behind-the-scene use of pointers and why you should care about this
   could be clearer.  The fourth addition for 3.0 isn't scheduled until
   September.
   3. Finally, WingWare's professional IDE is solid and supports 2.5 (up to
   2.6).  The Prof version has an interactive debugger which greatly speeds up
   debugging (and learning if you're new trying to figure out something you
   don't understand), a source assistant that will tell you what each
   documented function does and the expected inputs as you code, and code
   completion.  Those items alone will get you coding much faster.  I don't
   like their free version as it doesn't support these items.  Their
   professional version comes with a fully functional free trial that can be
   extended a number of times.  They have a number of videos and tutorials for
   specific frameworks and to help you get started with the basics.

Python development generally move fast, so I'm sure 3.0 will enjoy the same
soon.  Hope this helps.

Charles

On Fri, Jul 31, 2009 at 8:46 AM, Steve Young <
sy at foreignlanguageflashcards.com> wrote:

> Hey guys,
>
> I read through A Byte of Python for Version 3, then realized that most of
> the frameworks and existing programming are using v2.x.  I am thinking that
> I should study and begin using v2 first, and then move to v3 later when it
> becomes necessary.  If you have any suggestions please let me know.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Steve
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