[Pythonmac-SIG] First Experience, Unix Python vs. MacPython and Science

[Lizardo H. C. M. Nunes]

Hi,

That's my first experience with Python. I'm a Doctorate Student in 
Physics and mainly a Fortran guy, I'm interested about using Python as a 
research tool, specially for number crushing. I hope you can help me 
providing pointers.

Unix Python vs. MacPython:

I've got the source files for "Unix" Python 2.2. It built like a charm 
and passed all tests after "limit stacksize 2048". Now I want to rebuild 
it with readline support and whatever modules you think I should use. 
Also, I'd like to hear from you about the "--enable-framework option", 
is it a good idea? Should I create a Python.app via "./Mac/OSX" ?

I thought I'd never experience that, but "Unix" Python left a better 
impression. I downloaded and installed the full MacPython 2.2, then I 
run the "ConfigurePythonCarbon". Once I logged back, I run the "Python 
IDE" and typed "import test.regrtest ; test.regrtest.main()", but the 
cursor keeps spinning forever---till "force to Quit". Is it right ? I'm 
running an iMac 333, OS 10.1.2.

Science packages:

I've seen a couple of packages that I'm interested about, specially 
numpy and scipy.

I really couldn't understand "What is" and "how to install" numpy. I 
thought it was some kind of "wrapper" for the Fortran LAPACK and BLAS 
routines among others, but it is surprisingly lite, only 3.3 MB when 
uncompressed.
I'd be glad if you could point me to documentation explaining 
functionality details about the project and tell me how to build it 
linking with my own LAPACK and BLAS. Again, what optional packages I 
should install?

Did somebody in the list installed scipy? Any hint that you could share 
about dependencies and installations on OSX? Is there a GUI support?

Also, I would appreciate if you could suggest other scientific packages 
and address me to essential documentation that could ease the task of 
learning a new programming language.

Thanks a lot,
Lizardo H. C. M. Nunes

...But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block, and to 
the
Greeks foolishness;(...)but God has chosen the foolish things of the 
world
to confound the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to
confound the things which are strong;(I Cor.1:23&27)