2.1 Overview of installation

Before we can begin the tutorial, you need install and test Python, Numarray and some other Python extensions, and PyPedal itself. PyPedal requires Python 2.4 or later. The extensions that you need to install in order to use all of the features of PyPedal are listed in Table 2.1. Note that some extensions need to be installed before others: Numpy should be installed first, and pyparsing and Graphviz must be installed before pydot.

If you do not install one or more optional modules you will still be able to use PyPedal, although some features may not be available to you. Details on installing the extensions listed above can be found on their respective websites. All of these extensions are available for Unix-type operating systems (e.g. Linux, Mac OS X) as well as for Microsoft Windows; most sites also provide binary installers for Windows. Python extensions can usually be installed by unzipping/untaring the archives, entering the folder, and issuing the command "python setup.py install" as a root/administrative user. Note that NetworkX and ReportLab are not installed by the Enthought Python Distribution for Windows.

Third-party extensions used by PyPedal. Extension & Function & URL

$\begin{xtabular}{llp{4in}} elementtree & Lightweight XML processing & \url{http... ...Advanced unit testing & \url{http://testoob.sourceforge.net/}\\ \end{xtabular}$

The PyPedal distribution includes a copy of the ADOdb for Python (http://http://phplens.com/lens/adodb/adodb-py-docs.htm/) database abstraction library. It is installed with PyPedal and does not require a separate installation step.

See About this document... for information on suggesting changes.