Before I got involved in the Ubuntu community I was briefly involved in the Fedora Infrastructure. Most of the tools they used were written in Python. When I got more involved in the Ubuntu community I noticed that Python was used a lot there too. I’m curious why two major Linux distributions choose to use Python so intensively. During my Fedora time I noticed many Python related activities weren’t being picked up and I asked the following on the Fedora mail list:

Just out of curiosity but why are our webapps written in Python and not in Perl for example?

I have a feeling there is more Perl knowledge among infrastructure specialists as there is Python.

The reply was simple, somebody started in Python a while back and Python was structured and when using Perl it’s very easy to create unreadable code.

I don’t agree that Python won’t lead to unreadable code as well. Now I don’t know Python but I know several other programming languages. I’ve been programming for over 25 years and have seen my share of good code and absolute garbage and it didn’t matter what language was used. I truly believe the difference between good code and garbage is the programmer, not the programming language. Sure certain programming languages can help in setting up a good structure and therefor it should make it a little bit easier to write readable code. I used to program in Cobol and I can say that was one programming language with lots of rules and structure. It sure helped but I had coworkers who’s code was horrible to debug or near impossible to extend.

Again, I don’t know Python, I have seen some programs and that’s it, so I don’t know how easy it is to write good code or make it completely unreadable. I will be teaching myself Python over the next few months as I would love to help out with some of the Python issues I see in the Ubuntu community as well. Maybe I even start a new blog series: “Teaching myself Python”. I don’t know how big the learning curve is but I’ll give it a shot.

I have been using git for a while now and I have to say I like it a lot. It’s quick, easy to use and very informative when using the webgui as well.

The one thing that is kind of odd is the fact most, if not all commands are duplicated, for example the command git-pull can also be git pull. I know it’s the same but why have two options? I know it’s not a big deal, I just hope doesn’t get out of control.

The other thing is that when you updated your files and created a tag and you push your updates to the repository it doesn’t push the tag, you have to push tag manually. The developers know about it and I believe they are working on it. Otherwise I love git.

Even though git is designed for big projects and I don’t manage a big project at all, it doesn’t stop me from using git. After Linux Linus delivered another great piece of software.

Back in the days I used Eudora as my email client, I didn’t like Outlook Express, the development kinda stopped on Eudora and I needed more out of my email client. After releuctantly using Outlook Express I was relieved to see Thunderbird and I made the switch. I never looked back again and never thought about Eudora again.
When I made the switch to Linux, Thunderbird was the obvious choice. I tried Evolution but that just didn’t do it for me.

With all the turmoil at Mozilla and the new MailCo that’s started I don’t know what to think. The future of Thunderbird isn’t clear, nothing has been said expect not to worry, yeah we heard that before. The two big names of Thunderbird development left Mozilla the last couple of days. Some people suggest there will be forking of Thunderbird.

While waiting for more news I decided to look around at other clients.Evolution is a no-no for me, I just don’t like it. Claws looks promising. I’m having some issues converting though, I tried the scripts Claws offers but with no luck. Converting by hand is a pain, I’ve got a lot of folders and several accounts. I’ll keep looking around, just in case Thunderbird becomes a wingless bird.

I upgraded my laptop from Feisty to Gutsy and it didn’t go as smoothly as others have reported.
I’m not really surprised as I don’t run a default Ubuntu desktop, I had installed some applications from source instead of the Ubuntu repository,

I’ve been running it for a week now and it’s pretty stable, good to see the integration with Compiz-fusion. I still am running software from source because I don’t like the fact Ubuntu doesn’t allow updating of certain software by the software itself, like Firefox and friends, Azureus etc.

His my name is Peter and I live the U.S.A but I was born and raised in Europe.

This blog represents my thoughts about things I like and think are worthy of to write about.
The main focus will probably be Linux and everything that surrounds it, from technical issues to ways to use Linux in a business or personal environment. Other interest I have and thus probably will write about every now and then is sports and photography.
I have a Nikon -D50 camera but don’t have a lot of time, rephrase don’t give myself time enough, to go out and shoot pictures.