[Pythonmac-SIG] a beginner's list

[Christopher Barker]

Bill Janssen wrote:
> You had no idea about it because it's not going to happen.  "Apple is
> likely to yank their python out from under you"?  Come on, this is
> absurd.  In 10.5, /usr/bin/python is likely to be Python 2.4 instead
> of 2.3, but the odds are 9999 to 1 that it will be there, and the
> Python community has taken great pains to make sure 2.4 is
> backwards-compatible with 2.3.
> 
> We can only quote odds because none of us work for Apple, but still,
> in my opinion -- what troll-bait!

It was not intended that way. Yes, Apple will most likely supply a 
Python with 10.5. It will also most likely be a 2.4.*. What I don't see 
any evidence for is them keeping 2.3.5 around as well. What that means 
is that all the packages you have compiled and installed for 2.3.* will 
no longer work. Yes, python-only scripts that use usr/bin/python will 
most likely work, but that's it.

If you think Apple will keep 2.3.* around, in addition to a newer 2.4.*, 
then tell us why. They didn't keep 2.2* around when 10.3 came out.

-Chris

-- 
Christopher Barker, Ph.D.
Oceanographer
                                     		
NOAA/OR&R/HAZMAT         (206) 526-6959   voice
7600 Sand Point Way NE   (206) 526-6329   fax
Seattle, WA  98115       (206) 526-6317   main reception

Chris.Barker at noaa.gov