[Pythonmac-SIG] multi-platform Python distributions question

[chip nyman]

Mark and Chris, thanks for your interest. Here's some in-depth info about my 
project.

I've designed a desktop applet that displays custom artwork and interface 
elements, and incorporates a modified calendar control from the wxPython 
demo as a basis for its calendar grid implementation. Basically this applet 
is intended to mimic to some degree an "ink-on-paper" wall calendar of the 
variety that usually uses themed graphics as decorations. The applet is 
initially to be used to display artwork produced by members of an artists' 
web community I frequent, conceptart.org, but can be adapted to display any 
graphics that can be "modulized" with image2py. The interface artwork is 
also so modulized, so that can also be easily customized. The applet is 
designed to adjust itself to any size and aspect ratio of art, within 
reasonable limits (even unreasonable if the artwork is properly modified for 
inclusion), with partially-fixed-size regions dedicated to the UI. 
Currently, to avoid the need for complex graphics code for resampling and 
scaling the artwork, the displayed artwork is fixed in scale, with no 
allowance for dynamic adaptation to monitor size. Artwork modules for 
different screen resolutions are the alternate solution, a bit inelegant in 
terms of coding but better for proper display of the art, which is the 
driving purpose for the calendar applet. The applet windows cannot be 
dynamically resized, for much the same reason. There is functionality for 
marking and adding short text notes to selected dates on the calendar 
control, which is accessed on user demand.

The applet is designed to be platform non-specific, using borderless or 
simple-border frames and avoiding as much as possible platform dependencies 
in terms of interface controls, which are very rudimentary. In its current 
implementation, there are no user menus, and only three main interface 
buttons -- Close, Minimize, and Open Calendar Grid. A TaskBarIcon provides 
user control as well, for Close, Minimize and Restore commands. The calendar 
control itself employs the date navigation functions from the wxPython demo 
(calendar window version), with modified date marking code, and new code to 
permit input, recording and reading w/output of the date-selective text 
notes. Two pickled text files with custom (though rather simple) formatting 
rules are used for persistent data: the calendar text notes and the closing 
position of the applet.

I've only been using Python since the first of this month, so I've depended 
heavily on adaptation of existing modules when feasible, drawing mainly from 
the wxPython GUI library. Originality is in the interface design and its 
visual character, in the scripting to maintain the frames hierarchy the 
visual design requires, and in the date marking functions added to (or 
modified from) the calendar control.

Distribution of the applet will be international and multi-platform, 
reflecting the wide member base of conceptart.org. An informal survey has 
already identified Win98, WinXP (home and Pro), Mac OSX 10.3.9 and above, 
and Debian Linux as platforms in use by the members, so I need some 
assistance in prepping distribution packages that do not require separate 
installations of Python 2.4 and wxPython 2.6 Unicode (though the Win98 
version will likely be wxPython ANSI). So far I've done successful test 
builds for the WinXP and Win98 platforms using py2exe.

Since I am primarily a CG artist, I don't maintain multi-platform systems 
for my programming efforts (which in the past have included TcL-based 
plugins and RealBasic standalones for Mac OS 9.x, and UnrealScript for 
game-specific coding on Windows), so instead I'm seeking the assistance of 
interested Python community members. I chose Python as the implementing code 
base because my research indicated it is very flexible, has a respectable 
documentation database (essential for a novice such as I), and is very 
similar in syntax and abstract structure to the other scripting languages 
I've used.

The applet is to be distributed free of charge, as a vehicle for promoting 
contributing artists from conceptart.org. Contributors to the packaging 
efforts will of course be credited if so desired. My current functionality 
status is unreleased beta; my plans are to release the beta for testing by 
the end of April. Beta testers will be chosen primarily from the 
conceptart.org membership, the initial target audience for the applet, but I 
would of course welcome feedback from the Python community as well.

I hope that answers most questions. I can provide URLs to forum threads on 
conceptart.org that have some details about the look of the beta if that is 
of further interest.

chip



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Christopher Barker" <Chris.Barker at noaa.gov>
To: "chip nyman" <chipartist at metrocast.net>
Sent: Tuesday, April 25, 2006 7:09 PM
Subject: Re: [Pythonmac-SIG] multi-platform Python distributions question


> chip nyman wrote:
>> I have a small non-commercial calendar applet featuring heavy use of
>> wxPython that I've written on WinXP but will eventually need to be
>> distributed to a number of platforms, including current Macs. Are
>> there any subscribers to this list who'd consider helping me prep a
>> py2app version for Mac OSX 10.3.9 and above?
>
> Tell us more about the app -- something to get us interested!
>
> > Also, are there other
>> pythonMac lists or similar resources I should investigate that might
>> provide useful info for such an undertaking? Thanks.
>
> I'd try the wxpython-users list too.
>
> -Chris
>
>
> -- 
> Christopher Barker, Ph.D.
> Oceanographer
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>
> Chris.Barker at noaa.gov
>