[Python-Dev] [Idle-dev] Removing IDLE from the standard library

[Bruce Sherwood]

On Mon, Jul 12, 2010 at 3:20 AM, Kurt B. Kaiser <kbk at shore.net> wrote:

>
>
> As I recollect, much of what Scherer did in VIDLE related to running
> multiple IDLE copies.
>
> For that reason, the VIDLE changes have to be evaluated carefully to
> determine what has already been incorporated.  I believe I added a
> couple of his smaller changes, also.
>
> Bruce, speaking of Dave Scherer, we've been trying to get a Python
> Contributor Agreement from him.  Is that something you can help us with?
>
> --
> KBK
>

I don't recall that VIDLE has anything to do with running multiple IDLE
copies. What's in VIDLE is a lot of bug fixes and some improvements. For
example, you can configure it to not require having to save a file, which
makes it as easy to use for quick testing as the shell. Another improvement,
of high importance for our physics students and other novice programmers, is
to bring an error display forward. Many students fill the screen with the
edit window and the error message could be hidden, leaving them puzzled as
to why their program wasn't running. Stuff like that, all aimed at issues we
had seen with a large population of science and engineering students.

I'll say again that IDLE/VIDLE is an excellent environment for novices.
Issues identified here about look and feel etc. have just not been of any
importance in that context.

If you'll send me what you want from Scherer, I can contact him.

Bruce Sherwood
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