Kigneer

At the installation stage in "Learning Python" book, but it has only a paragraph explaining three versions (I won't be using Java so Jython doesn't interest me); and the same goes for execution optimization tools.

Should I study with the default CPython, or because my interest is in making small helper programs to run on my Windows box (and later modding games that use Python, like Oblivion), should I start from the beginning with IronPython?

And which optimization tool would be best for either Python installation?

The book highlights some possible benefits of IronPython (such as possible performance increases), but like to know from more advanced programmers who's been there/done that: which flavor will be best for me to learn from the ground up that suits the above goals?

Trying to avoid frustration in jumping into something that goes down the wrong path.

Advice?

Freaky Chris

I have never looked at IronPython myself, i just use plan standard Python. Although the basic Python language doessupport GUI's through the use of Tkinter, there are additionally packages you can get such as wxPthon (my favorite) and QT there are no doubt others too. Also there are other packages such as PyGame avaliable to use..i imagine though that these will work fine with IronPython also. I have heard there beening a few problems when using IronPython due to things such as the .NET framework it uses doesn't allow you to call __del__ methods.

Hope this helps you in some way,

Chris

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al1986

Given the goals you mentioned, I'd say you'd be fine just sticking with CPython. Most games which can be scripted using Python tend to use CPython (and I imagine Oblivion is no different). What sort of helper applications are you intending to make?

IronPython is Python built on top of the .NET framework, so you have access to all the libraries available in .NET. Personally, I've not had any need for it yet. Although it does look interesting, and Manning are publishing a book called "IronPython in Action" later this year which I intend to check out.