[Pythonmac-SIG] New Page, first proposal

[Charles Hartman]

I'm afraid that you're right about this, and I think it's the biggest  
obstacle to the project of getting (non-Unix) Mac users interested in  
Python when they go looking for a language, or just looking to get  
started on programming.

Does the old PythonIDE come with OSX's Python?

I really feel -- do people really think I'm wrong about this? -- that  
even PythonIDE, limited as it is, is a better beginners'  
recommendation than the Terminal.

The trouble with the Terminal -- from the point of view of the dyed- 
in-the-wool Mac user I'm talking about -- is twofold:
	diverted from your enthusiasm for learning Python, you have to learn  
a new
		operating system interface ("how do I see what folder I'm in and  
what files
		are in it?"); and
	you can get yourself into trouble. ("I had to learn sudo to do X,  
and it's great,
		and now I'm going to try . . .")
This is why people are afraid of Terminal, and the fear isn't  
*totally* irrational.

Charles


On Feb 8, 2006, at 4:39 PM, Christopher Barker wrote:

> Charles Hartman wrote:
>>  I just don't believe it should
>> be necessary for those people, at first, to take on even the  
>> beginnings of Unix in order to brave taking on Python.
>
> How are they going to do it? Is there a single free IDE that you  
> think is ready for this kind of user (including the install)? I  
> don't know of one.
>
> Without an IDE, you have the terminal (which is an IDE, as a matter  
> of fact, but not a GUI one!)
>
> You're right that it shouldn't be necessary, but I think it still  
> is. The lowest common denominator at this point needs to be a  
> willingness to learn a bit about using the terminal and an editor.
>
> -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