[cuboctahedron]

Hi,
I've looked every where for several GUI for Python, but couldn't seem to start any of them (for Windows XP).
SPE seemed to be promising though.(looking at the screenshots)

I've installed:
1) Python 2.32
2) wxPythonWIN32-2.5.1.5-Py23.exe
3) SPE-0[1].4.2.a-wx2.4.2.4.-bl2.28c.exe
4) boa-constructor-0.2.3.win32.exe

For items 3 and 4 (which suppose to be GUI's) I found that the instructions doesnt even tell me to start the GUI.(?)

Basically; I don't see an EXE file that starts an interface. If I browse to the directories I see only py files, an clicking on them start a dos prompt, and shuts it down again.

When I try to start SPE in a dos prompt I get:
//-------------------------------------------------
C:\Python23\Lib\site-packages\spe>spe_.py

Starting Spe v0.4.2.a ...

If spe fails to start:
- type "python SPE_.py --debug" at the command prompt
- send the error report to s_t_a_n_i@yahoo.com

Importing modules...
Traceback (most recent call last):
File "C:\Python23\Lib\site-packages\spe\SPE_.py", line 20, in ?
import framework.wxMDIParentFrame1 as wxMDIParentFrame1
File "C:\PYTHON23\Lib\site-packages\spe\framework\wxMDIParentFrame1.py", line
21, in ?
import parentInit
File "C:\PYTHON23\Lib\site-packages\spe\framework\parentInit.py", line 22, in
?
import dropTarget,help
File "C:\PYTHON23\Lib\site-packages\spe\framework\dropTarget.py", line 11, in
?
from wxPython.wx import wx
ImportError: cannot import name wx
//-------------------------------------------------

Help appreciated
greetings
Patrick

PS some background: I am experienced in PHP. Javascript/actionscript and a bit of VB.

[DevCoach]

You have found the right file to run. There should also be a file with a .pyw extension - if you double click on that it will run without opening a console window.

I think the problem you are having is that the latest version of wxPython is not backwards compatible with previous versions - I have Python 2.3.3, wxPython 2.4.2.4 (the version prior to 2.5.1.5) and SPE 0.4.2.c, and they work fine together.

wxPython has been going through a process of renaming the packages and classes, culminating in the current release. For this reason there is likely to be a lot of code broken by the new version, and is why I have not upgraded. Try uninistalling wxPython and installing 2.4.2.4, and see if that works.

Dave - The Developers' Coach

[cuboctahedron]

Thanks for the answer Dave, I'll try it as soon I get home

I though Pyhton was suppose to be backwards-compatible?
Would this mean I'd have te rewrite code if a mayor upgrade happens?

gr
Patrick

[DevCoach]

The problem is not with Python itself, but with the wxPython GUI framework.

Python itself has managed to keep a very high level of backwards compatibility over the years, despite significant changes and additions to the language.

Dave - The Developers' Coach

[Grim Archon]

I'm using wxPython 2.4.2.4 with Boa and that works too. The Boa program is Boa.pyw.
Asuming your Python install is on C: drive:
C:\Python23\Lib\site-packages\wxPython\tools\boa\Docs\boa\guide
will show you what is what.

Grim

[cuboctahedron]

I uninstalled and reinstalled wxPhyton v2.4.24 and the IDE interface shows.

Just 3 more newbie questions

1)
I am looking for a 'hello world' tutorial in a GUI popup, but I can't find it anywhere; most information at http://www.wxpython.org/ seem to be focussed on more experienced users.

2) How do you compile a written application? (Some even say you need a C++ compiler?) I though Python could compile it's own files?, but I could find a menu option saying 'compile'.

3) It is mention that wxpython is "wxPython is a fine layer over the native GUI classes".
Does that mean the wxpython still depends largely on the native OS?

I ask this because I would like to create a cross-OS application, which will run on Unix,Linux Windows, (and Longhorn in the future)



thanks
Patrick

[Grim Archon]

Glad you got things working.

If you are using Boa there is a tutorial in the Getting Started section of the Boa Help. (It was a little out of date last the last time I looked but it should show you the basics )

Don't worry about compiling stuff - it is complied automatically.

wxPython works well on all of those OS (Longhorn - who knows yet). By a thin wrapper - I think they mean a wxPython app will look like a native Linux or Windows application.

As a suggestion, try out your new setup with this code:
Another Thread If using the documentation you can work out what's going on then you have most of the principles sorted

[cuboctahedron]

It work, and indeed the hello word-ish tutorial I've done succesfully.
About the compiling:
What I meant was, the application I see, executes by pressing 'Myapp.py' , which I presume can only run because I have Python installed. Is it possible to make an executable from it (linux & Windows), so it could be run without having Python installed?

thanks
Patrick

PS I saw 'py2exe' at http://starship.python.net/crew/theller/py2exe/

But is this the 'official' method to create a Window application? It does't look like a 'professional' tool?

[sfb]

What I meant was, the application I see, executes by pressing 'Myapp.py' , which I presume can only run because I have Python installed.

Correct.

Is it possible to make an executable from it (linux & Windows), so it could be run without having Python installed?

No, not really.
The only answer, as you've found, is Py2exe - and that just stuffs (Python.exe + yourprog.py) into one file, it doesn't compile anything.

I don't know quite why there isn't a compiler, just that no-one has created one.

[Grim Archon]

Generally, the fact that python is not compiled down to machine code will not be a problem. In the unlikely event that some of your program is too slow most times changing the algorithm is enough but you can turn portions into C code.

Py2exe does give the user an .exe file to run - there is no reason for the user to care. Don't forget that although your program is byte code, that byte code is used to call good
old-fashioned compiled C code.