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
>
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