Re: [Visualpython-users] Aqua port - stumped by autoconf

[Dethe E. <de...@li...>]

On 19-Oct-05, at 4:57 PM, Jonathan Brandmeyer wrote:
>
> Are you (or anyone else out there) familiar with Scons?

What is wrong with using distutils[1], the standard method for  
building Python extensions?  The new Setuptools[2] package makes it  
even easier, and supports EasyInstall[3] and Python Eggs[4].

[1] http://docs.python.org/lib/module-distutils.html
[2] http://peak.telecommunity.com/DevCenter/setuptools
[3] http://peak.telecommunity.com/DevCenter/EasyInstall
[4] http://peak.telecommunity.com/DevCenter/PythonEggs

I install a lot of programs, and there are three four common methods  
I encounter:  Untar the app and drag it to /Applications (standard  
Mac install), untar the installer and run it (for Mac apps which  
require more than just the Application bundle), type "./ 
configure;make;sudo make install" at the command line (apps ported  
from Linux or BSD), and "python setup.py install" (nearly all python  
extensions and libraries).  I understand that VPython is doing a lot,  
but why it is so much more complicated than installing PyGame, for  
instance, is beyond me.

> I've been considering using it as a replacement for the autotools in
> VPython's source tree.  The last time that I checked, Scons had very
> weak support for actually installing packages, which is why I haven't
> used it for anything other than projects that I haven't actually
> distributed.  On the other hand, the SConstruct build file is very  
> easy
> to read and change.

Easy to read and change would be a plus.  If I could read the  
autoconf file, I could help port it to distutils.  If you're  
interested in moving to distutils, and are willing to explain the  
dependencies to me, I'd be happy to help.  I'd much rather learn more  
about distutils (I've dabbled, but not delved deep yet) than another  
configuration/installation tool which I will only use for this one  
project.

--Dethe

PowerPoint can make almost anything appear good and look  
professional. Quite frankly, I find that a little bit frightening.
  --David Byrne