Python IDE

[Sean Kennedy]

> > > > I think the idea is to be forward thinking... the IDE doesn't need to be provided for the seasoned programmer... those already grew a lot of habbits and you wouldn't be able to convince them to switch.... they also don't mind apt-get-ing what they need...
> > > > The ideea is to provide an IDE for the begginer programmer... a IDE that would encourage them to contribute...
> > > >
> > > > In my view either include an IDE that is geared towards the begginer or don't include any...

Going after the "beginner programmer" is a great idea, and to do that
I think you do need a simple and powerful IDE for that purpose.  But
maybe we should start with going after experienced programmers who are
new to Python (I put myself in this category).  I think if people with
some experience were given a set of tools that lets them develop in
Python (say through an apt meta-package) they would be happy to start
contributing.  Once it is easy for anyone to have the tools required
to develop in Python on Ubuntu then it will be easier to develop the
Python IDE for new programmers (and hopefully it will be good enough
that current Python developers will use it too).

I think it would be excellent to type something like "apt-get install
python-programmer" and get Glade with integrated support for PyGTK, a
(graphical) debugger, a revision control GUI, and maybe Emacs setup
for Python development.  This is probably the best place to start, and
it really could be made available immediately.

Then I would suggest that we wouldn't need to use Eclipse or Anjuta,
but could develop a good IDE written in PyGTK that Python programmers
could improve and extend.  (The problem with Eclipse or Anjuta - even
if you make an interface to let pluggins be written directly in Python
- is that the core of the IDE has been developed to make life easier
for people developing in Java or C/C++ which may be more than required
for Python, or not enough.  Even if everything useful to a Python
programmer is included in what is important for a Java or C/C++
developer, a Python programmer who wants to fix a bug in the core of
the IDE or add some function that should be part of the core, not part
of a pluggin, must also be (or become) a Java or C/C++ programmer.  I
think it is much better to have a Python language IDE for Python
development for that reason, and also because it does serve as proof
of Python itself to new developers.)

So, in a nutshell: lets take whatever tools are currently available
and useful for Python development, and make them easily accessible
through a meta-package; then lets start work on developing a Python
language IDE for Python development.


-- 
Sean Kennedy
Play with the Penguin