RE: [Visualpython-users] VPython idle

[Bruce S. <ba...@an...>]

There seem to be incompatible needs, which we've run into before in a 
slightly different context. As in the previous case, I think what is needed 
is simply better documentation and installers on the VPython web site to 
explain what's happening, and I'll do that.

There are two types of users of VPython with very different needs and 
expectations. One is the relatively expert programmer who comes to Python 
from other languages and then after some time comes to VPython. The other 
is the student (including in our own physics course) who may never have 
written a computer program before and for whom VPython is their first 
programming environment.

Such a student needs utterly simple installation procedures and completely 
obvious shortcuts to using VPython productively right away. After much 
experimentation, we've solved the nontrivial problem of making this work 
for such users. This includes keeping students out of the interactive mode, 
which can be a good place for experts but is quite inappropriate for 
novices.

The sophisticated user needs an explanation that this is what we've done, 
and how to get around it (easily), and that's where we've not done an 
adequate job. After recovering from a major textbook submission, I'll 
improve the web site and installers.

Bruce Sherwood