[Visualpython-users] Linux; VPython distribution

[<art...@rs...>]

Two totally unrelated issues:

1)  I did a Python install on Redhat7.2 from the current
distro and all went quite smoothly.  But the performance on Linux (KDE
desktop) seems quite weak versus Windows.  I suspect this has *nothing* to
do with VPython itself - and am guessing it has something to do configuring
Mesa and hardware acceleration. Been a while since I have
been on Linux.  Anybody have any clues?

2) I remain frustrated with aspects of the VPython distribution.

a) Firstly, it is normal in the distribution of Python modules to
maintain the availability of  binary distros for versions of Python at least
one or two versions back from  the current. Many people who might want to
experiment with VPython but have no other compelling reason to move from,
let's say, a happy Python2.1.1 install will simply choose to pass it by.

b) One of the beauties of VPython is its small footprint - a small *.dll and
a few scripts and some docs are all that is necessary at the margin for
anyone who already has/uses Numeric and who does not plan to use
VPython_Idle.

I think that describes many people already using Python for scientific work.

I understand that there are provisions for the separate download of VPython
components - but I do not think it is clear to anyone coming in that there
are good alternatives to the big footed standard distribution.

c) Though VPython no longer overwrites the standard Idle, it does, if I am
not mistaken, overwrite the standard Python top level help index. An unusual
decision for a Python module. Probably unique among the hundreds of modules
available for Python.

Without trying to get into a big todo, I will say that IMO the VPython
distribution approach implicitly violates good Open Source manners and
methodologies.

I understand that vpython.org is servicing first a specific audience in the
educational community.

There is no reason I see that with some effort that community cannot be
fully served while better conforming to certain standards/expectations
fairly well-established in the larger community.

Certainly all indications are that the larger Python/Numeric community is
more than supportive of Python/Numeric as educational tools - and I
personally believe that VPython is an important extension for educational
purposes, which is unnecessarily limiting its exposure to a wider audience
by its quirky distribution approach.

If there are no plans to change policy  regarding the distribution of VPython at
vpython.org, I would consider making some alternative small footed distros
(against at least 2.1 and 2.2 of Python) available at some other site -
with instructions for getting components (Numeric, Idle_Fork, etc.) at their
source for those who might need them.

Does anyone have an opinion or objection.

Art