Python Readline Support

[fpp]

Do let me know if you find any problems or have suggestions for improvements. I'm still a relative newbie when it comes to Python development

David, newbie or not, you are a hero ! Thanks a lot for this !

I agree with you that trimmed-down Python distributions (for size reasons) are a hassle.  Except for code you create yourself, everything else is bound to have problems.

Lately I have been wanting to use some existing apps on my Z, and mostly failing because there was always something missing. In particular, the new DateTime module is not present in either Riverbanks's discontinued 2.3.3 port, or Mickeyl's arm-python. And it's a binary module too, so you can't just grab a .py file from your desktop install and copy it over...

I was just about to call for help here on this issue, only to find out you'd solved it for us -- twice actually : a complete Python/PyQt distribution AND CF/SD install.

Heartfelt thanks !

Pyqt is such a quick and easy way to develop Zaurus apps! I'm hoping a readily availability, easy to use, Sharp ROM compatible Python will lower the bar for casual developers who have ideas for Zaurus apps but don't want to deal with cross-development, setting up an onboard arm-gcc toolchain, or the limitations of the various JVMs for the Zaurus.

I've no experience with Qt/PyQt (only dabbled in wxPython for GUIs), but the Z is a good motivation to try it out, and your work will certainly help.

Otherwise, for apps that are not too interface-heavy, another way to meet those goals you set above is to use some of the many excellent Python tools available and create Web apps...

[kopsis]

... and here's pysqlite 1.1.5 for SQLite 3.x (if you want the 2.0.alpha1 stuff, you're on your own). This is built specifically for my ext2 Zaurus Python image, so if you're using somebody else's Python build, this may or may not be useful to you.

To install:

• Make sure the Zaurus Python image is correctly mounted at /usr/local/lib/python2.3
• Copy pysqlite3.tgz to /usr/local/lib/python2.3/site-packages
• cd /usr/local/lib/python2.3/site-packages
• gunzip -c pysqlite3.tgz | tar xf -

Note that this will blow away Python support for SQLite 2.x databases so it's an all-or-nothing proposition. There is a technique for converting 2.x databases to 3.0 documented on the SQLite website.

I'm going to experiment with this a bit over the long weekend and decide if all this is stable enought to permanently switch the SQLite 2.x support in my Python Image to SQLite 3.x.

[shula]

wow! i didnt imagine my question will lead to all this
great! i'll try every tip and ipk given here :-)

so here's my 2 cent - PyQt tip:  
i've been able to get a free version of PyQT gui builder for window$,
plus all kinds of libraries etc.  i build the gui there,
and use it on the Z.

[kopsis]

From small acorns the mighty oaks grow  I've petitioned the "powers that be" for a dedicated Zaurus Python forum under "Everything Development" ... we'll see what happens.

What's the name of the GUI builder you're using? Do you have a download link?

[shula]

it's Qt Designer , of course, and i think it's part of blackadder.
link? i doubt i'll be able to find all the components again :-(

anyway, if you happen get into installation troubles, contact me.
i didn't look into a linux version, since i dont have linux desktop installed.