Hi Dennis,

I'm glad that John dropped in :) His answers are more in line with what you might expect from a VFPer. I have used python for applications that are more on the current java heap, servlets. I-e very specialized code.

>1. Can Python be used for desktop, web and whatever Java and C# can do?

Yes, python shares a lot of similarities with VFP including from the learning POV. Discovery is at the prompt line. And the community is extremely diverse, smart and vigorously independant in its judgments and actions - like the VFP one a couple of years ago ...

>2. Which is the best Python IDE?

Many. None perfect since it is a community tool. No perfect tools at this level. Try the one that fits your style. I would not commit to any. Python syntax is concise and productive. You'll be as productive on python without an IDE as with other clunky languages with an IDE.

>3. I came across Dabo as well. Is this also free as in like Python?
>4. Dabo is a framework written in Python - right?

Yes. but check with John. He has quite an expertise on Dabo:)

>5. How long did it take you to start making apps in Python?

Once you start for real, in view of your background, learning python might be extremely short. Python is just plain natural languages for me. C++ and java ain't. I rewrote a complex IIS-FOXISAPI-VFP servlet in a couple of weeks. But learning a UI library python interface may take some time depending on your background.

The nice thing on top is that, the more time passes, the simpler and neater the language. Python 3 neater than python 2.x neater than python 1.x. Python 2.x will do. Since the latest 3.x offers only marginal gains. We reaching perfection syntax-wise.