[Python-Dev] RFC: Including PIL in 1.6

Andrew M. Kuchling akuchlin@mems-exchange.org
Tue, 20 Jun 2000 14:04:06 -0400


>Watch that argument -- it could turn and bite you.  What's the justification
>for including, e.g. POP client classes in the standard distribution?
>One of Python's most important strengths is the "batteries *are*
>included" richness of the standard environment.

Once there are enough pieces to make finding and getting the software
near-automatic, I actually wouldn't mind splitting them out and
shipping a much smaller core distribution, perhaps with a script that
downloads the latest versions of what's in the standard library.
Debian did that for a while, with python-net, python-base,
python-text, &c.

I just compiled XEmacs 21.1.10 on a new Linux machine; you compile the
binary, and install two packages of Elisp code (EFS and xemacs-base).
Then you run xemacs, do Options > Manage Packages > List and Install,
and you get a nice list containing GNUS, W3, programming language
modes, etc.  Pick the ones you want, it adds the ones needed by the
ones you selected, and it fetches and installs them.  Easy!  Now
imagine doing the same thing with Python modules.  Of course, we'd
have to design that feature first...

(ESR & Paul Prescod vs. AMK & GPW: the First Pythonic War! :) )

-- 
A.M. Kuchling			http://starship.python.net/crew/amk/
This is, after all, a book about reading, and the kind of reader I am
addressing does not care primarily about being in fashion.
  -- Robertson Davies, _A Voice from the Attic_