Re: [matplotlib-devel] more on plugins/toolbar

[Fernando P. <Fer...@co...>]

John Hunter wrote:
>>>>>>"Fernando" == Fernando Perez <Fer...@co...> writes:
> 
> 
>     Fernando> 2. From some of your syntax struggles, I'm starting to
>     Fernando> wonder whether it would be best to turn the
>     Fernando> .matplotlibrc file into a proper python one.  I followed
>     Fernando> the same approach with ipython of having a custom
>     Fernando> syntax, and now I regret it. It appears easier
>     Fernando> initially, but in the long term it's clunky (at least
>     Fernando> for ipython).  For ipython's next major revision, I plan
>     Fernando> on dumping its own rc format and allowing users to
>     Fernando> define their configuration using plain python syntax.
>     Fernando> Just some thoughts.
> 
> I had the same thought this morning - you start with a simple config
> file, key/value pairs, but as you add features you find yourself
> writing a little primitive mini-language.  Why ham-string yourself,
> when you already have an elegant, simple, powerful language available
> - python!

There are a few technical issues with this problem, some of which I've partly 
thought about.  This will be one of my first things to do once I'm done with 
matplotlib support in ipython, as part of the rewrite.  Perhaps we could share 
some of the work for this problem with a light module for handling python 
config files with proper namespace control and recursive inclusion (important 
for handling global defaults modified by local project fine-tuning).

Best,

f