Python and OOo: do you have some links?

Guest

Hi all,

I've been using OOo in some small Visual Basic programs.
Lately however, I'm wondering if VB is the language to use:
* VB6 is the last 'real' VB, VB.NET is just C# with a different look.
* VB is platform specific.
* VB is not open source.
* VB is sometimes just s**t. You really have to work around the problems of VB.

Python however seems to solve all these objections!
Now, I'm not a Python guru (yet! Very Happy

), so do you have any clues on how to work with OOo in it?
I hear about the Python UNO bridge, but completely don't understand what it is and how it works.
Is Python in OOo already finished, mature?

So basically, if you could give me some pointers to start, I would be very grateful.

Greets,

Chris

BTW: does anybody have any clue on how to compare documents in a program?
see also http://www.oooforum.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2853

DannyB · Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2004 8:34 am Post subject:

I had been meaning to learn Python for a couple years. It was OOo that finally pushed me to expend the effort.

I have done a limited amount of coding in Python, and most of it for OOo. I have ended up spending far more time in OOo Basic than I would like. Several reasons. Basic is easily accessible, and seems to be best for giving OOo examples.

Everyone who has OOo 1.1 has the option to install an integrated Python implementation.

Python code can be run in two forms.
1. External to OOo.
2. Installed as a component.

Number 2 means you could write a true component, with new Services that are part of the office. You would of course, have to install them with pkgchk. But I'm working on that. I'm thinking it may be possible to install a Python component into the office from a Basic macro document -- no pkgchk.

Number 1 means that you have to configure OOo to listen for Uno connections. I have a macro document that trivially accomplishes this configuration step. It used to be a major pain to hand edit an XCU file. The macro document is available at OOoMacros.org. I think it is called UnoConnectionListener. You open it, and can configure OOo to listen for a connection on any TCP/IP port, such as port 8100.

Then your python or java program, even from a different computer, can connect to your computer on port 8100 and drive the OOo to do things. (I have done the different computer / different OS thing to OOo from Java, but not from python.)

If you jump through some hoops, you can even use Python with IDLE, I've done it. IDLE is a GUI IDE for doing python development. Using IDLE makes python development much easier. Using this, you get a level of interactivity that niether Basic nor Java offers. You can create OOo objects from the command line. You could do something like....

DannyB · Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2004 9:30 am Post subject:

Okay, at long last, I am going to write a guide to setting up Python for OOo on Windows. I'll post it in the Macros and API section when I have it sufficiently written up. I'll try to include some examples.

Perhaps once it is posted here on OOoForum, someone could could pester the maintainer of the python-uno web page at OpenOffice.org to include a link to this information there. (Or even a complete copy if they prefer. I will give whatever formal permission they feel is necessary if they think that is an issue, which they have in the past.)

Since Python comes with every OOo 1.1, it would be really cold if more people would use it instead of Basic.

In the meantime, while I'm writing a guide, here are some links to get you started. Ask you first asked for.

http://www.oooforum.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=13501#13501
http://www.oooforum.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3451

My UnoConnectionListener document can be obtained from OOoMacros.org.

http://ooomacros.org/files.php?type=macro#UNOConnectionListener

http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=87718&package_id=100069

You can try Googling...
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=site%3Aoooforum.org+DannyB+Python&btnG=Google+Search
_________________
Want to make OOo Drawings like the colored flower design to the left?

Chris_147 · General User Joined: 28 Aug 2003 Posts: 27

DannyB,

again you come with some good answers.
Thanks.

I'll try them.
Installing Python is no problem. Just the interaction with OOo.
As I see it I can use it like with VB (number 1: external in your post) Only Python allows to do it also from the commandline...

Number 2 (component) in your post is extra, but is more difficult I understood.

Well, thanks anyway. Now finding the time to learn Python Smile

Chris

DannyB · Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2004 10:24 am Post subject:

nom · Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2004 6:13 pm Post subject:

Danny,

Thanks a lot! Can't wait to get my hands on your documentation... I tried getting python to work with OOo a few months back and never had any success.

Cheers,

Nom

DannyB · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2004 10:46 am Post subject:

Try this to get started.
http://www.oooforum.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4818

Good luck.
_________________
Want to make OOo Drawings like the colored flower design to the left?