[Pythonmac-SIG] (no subject)

[Craig Hagerman]

	I have been learning Python with the O'Reilly books recently on my
Macintosh. While their examples are done on Linux and often outside my
experience (like server-side scripting), I have found the core language
quite easy to understand. However, the documentation for Mac specific
capabilities of Python seems to be sparse (both in print and on the web --
PLEASE correct me if I am wrong here). I have three simple (newbie) Mac -
Python related questions if anyone can answer one or all.

1.  The Mac pdf documentation doesn't make it clear to me what Pythons
capabilities and limitations are for Mac specific programming. Perhaps
someone could help clarify this for me with a comparison. I know that
AppleScript and Python are different beasts but it would be helpful to
understand ways that they are similar; as in what kinds of things could I
do with either language, and how they are different; ie. what kinds of
things could I do in AppleScript and NOT in Python?

2.  I don't mind learning at the command line but I would be far more
comfortable dealing with a GUI as the end result. I understand that Tkinter
has some issues on the Mac. At the risk of asking a really stupid
question... would it be possible to use RealBasic to create a GUI but use
Python for the scripting and Apple Events to communicate between the two. I
suspect the answer is no but I think it would be great if I could.

3.  My understanding is that it is possible to use Python to create simple
applications on the Mac. (Or is this a misunderstanding - it is possible to
create applications with Python AND C together ??) I am interested in doing
this to learn more about (a) OO programming and (b) Mac programming.
(Python was the OVERWHELMING recommendation when I asked sources what to
learn as a first step into OOP.)
	As I have said I have found the "mac.pdf" documentation of the Mac
Modules a bit minimalistic for my understanding and can't find much else.
The "Toolbox" (pdf download) of "Inside Macintosh" helps but not that much
for a beginner like me. It is a big question but I want to know HOW to
program Python on a Macintosh to create a simple application. I am assuming
a GUI creation here - drawing Windows, Buttons and other controls,
interacting with other applications, catching events etc.
	Is there any other books, documentation, sources, whatever that can
help me with this quest?? I suppose that non-Python Mac instruction sources
would be better than nothing. There just doesn't seem to be that much Mac
specific literature out there so...  As another avenue of learning I am
wondering if there are any (Mac)Python Wizards out there who have made such
Mac applications and would allow me to pour over their source code for some
examples???? If so please email me. If I got enough example code I would be
willing to set up a web site dedicated to hosting (and growing) those
examples.

	Thanks for your patience with this long email,
	Craig Hagerman