I've got a new iMac, have installed Python 2.5.2 on it, and am now trying to run my existing Python programs on it (these are typically number crunching programs that I run from IDLE). Some things work, while others don't, and as this is my first time grappling with Unix and MacOS X, I appreciate some guidance on how to get up and running. Here are details of my setup interspersed with my woes and my questions. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
Item 1. I downloaded and installed 2.5.2 from python.org. Runs fine, it installed a MacPython directory under applications, which has a few icons, including IDLE. However, I have absolutely NO idea where all the Python files are kept. Question 1: How can I locate the Python installation? There a few files under Applications > MacPython 2.5, but this is clearly not the entire installation. Question 2: In Finder, If I click on Search For > Past week, I can see a sequence of folders under the horizontal scroll bar at the bottom of the window, allowing me to determine that some files that were placed under Applications > MacPython 2.5> Extra> Demo. But I do not seem to be able to see the sequence of folders under the horizontal scroll bar in any finder window. What do I need to do to make the folder sequence visible in all Finder Windows? Item 2. I downloaded and installed the SciPy superpack from Macinscience,org. Scipy seems to import correctly into the Python 2.5.1 that comes with the Mac, but i cannot import it into MacPython 2.5.2. Question 3. What do I have to do in order to make SciPy work with both Python 2.5.1 (that comes with the Mac) and 2.5.2 (that I installed myself)? Item 3. I accidentally clicked on something (not sure what) and suddenly found the path to the numpy folder was Macintosh HD > Developer > SDKs > MacOSX10.5.sdk>System> Library>Frameworks>Python.framework>Versions>2.5>extras>lib>Python>numpy. This is insane!!! Where would the superpack have installed SciPy, and how can I find it? Question 4. How do I get MacPython 2.5.2 to see SciPy, NumPy etc. Question 5. How can I find the current value of the PYTHONPATH environment variable, and how can I edit it and add a directory in which I keep my Python programs. Question 6. Apparently there's a Property List Editor that must be used to create a file called ~ /.MacOSX/environment.plist. I can't find a directory called ~/.MacOSX. Is this a hidden directory? Item 4. I opened a terminal window, and typed ipython. Here's what I got: Welcome to IPython. I will try to create a personal configuration directory where you can customize many aspects of IPython's functionality in: /Users/tom/.ipython WARNING: Installation error. IPython's directory was not found. Check the following: The ipython/IPython directory should be in a directory belonging to your PYTHONPATH environment variable (that is, it should be in a directory belonging to sys.path). You can copy it explicitly there or just link to it. IPython will create a minimal default configuration for you. Ipython actually runs once I hit enter, but I do not seem to be able to import and run my programs. Question 7. What is this cryptic message all about? I'm completely confused. I never thought I'd say this, but it actually seemed a lot easier to get Python and any associated programs up and running on Windows! I suspect that a large fraction of my troubles are due to the fact that I am brand new to the Mac and to Unix, but I bought the Mac in part because I thought that using it was effortless. Thank you in advance for your help. Sincerely Thomas Philips -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
