Did you upgrade yet?

Here’s a set of Python classes to help experiment with robotics:

Pyro stands for Python Robotics. The goal of the project is to provide a programming environment for easily exploring advanced topics in artificial intelligence and robotics without having to worry about the low-level details of the underlying hardware. That is not to say that Pyro is just a toy. In fact, Pyro is used for real robotics research as well as courseware.

Various hardware platforms are supported.

Originally the FAQ said that we could expect a Django 1.0 release in February or March 2006, and then it changed to Summer 2006. Now all references to dates/timeframes have been removed:

When will you release Django 1.0?
Short answer: When we’re comfortable with Django’s APIs, have added all features that we feel are necessary to earn a “1.0″ status, and are ready to begin maintaining backwards compatibility.

The merging of Django’s magic-removal branch went a long way toward Django 1.0.

Of course, you should note that quite a few production sites use Django in its current status. Don’t let the lack of a 1.0 turn you off.

I don’t see anything wrong with working longer than expected to make sure that all the necessary API changes have been made.

That said, I bet a lot of people are waiting for a 1.0 release with a frozen API before they jump into Django with both feet.

Update: Please read Adrian’s comment below.

Here’s a paper from 2003 detailing a Python interpreter for 8-bit architectures:

PyMite is a flyweight Python interpreter written from scratch to execute on 8-bit microcontrollers as well as desktop computers. It is a work-in-progress, but is developed enough to run demonstration programs.

It looks like PyMite is still actively maintained, with a release in September 2006.

More info on PythonInfo.

The slides from a course called Software Carpentry are online. Here’s the description:

This course is an intensive introduction to basic software development practices for scientists and engineers that can reduce the time they spend programming by 20-25%. All of the material is open source: it may be used freely by anyone for educational or commercial purposes, and research groups in academia and industry are actively encouraged to adapt it to their needs.

The site seems unusually slow right now, but it is working.

Paul Graham talks about what makes startups fail.

Falling Bullets is doing a series of tutorials explaining how to make a blog using Django that has the basic functionality of WordPress.

Quoth WordPress Clone in 27 Seconds (Part 1):

The WordPress Clone articles will guide you through the creation of a blog system in Django that has tags, feeds, a portfolio section, and the ability to sync up with your Flickr and Ma.gnolia accounts. Essentially, I’m just going to rip the source code from this site, throw some witty commentary on it, and pass it off as a comprehensive tutorial series that not only clears acne but removes old and set-in stains from your favorite clothes. I’m clever like that, I guess.

After you finish that, WordPress Clone: Part Deux is the next one in the series.

Fredrik Lundh is working on templating for his “ludicrously simple content management system” styled after the Django template system.

SitePoint shows you how to Build a To-do List in 30 Minutes:

Say hello to Django. In this article, I’ll be walking through the process of creating a simple application — a to-do list — with Django; this tutorial will only cover a small portion of what Django can do for you, but it’ll be a good start and (hopefully) enough to whet your appetite for more.

Includes a lot of basic information about Django, and might serve as a good introduction to those who are new to the framework.

Matt installed CS:S tonight and, with the help of Cedega, was able to connect to my listen server and play a few quick rounds…

Nice! It’s official. I’m addicted.