We've been adding 1000's of Python packages to the ActiveState Platform, automatically resolving and pulling in their dependencies and ensuring that they'll build. We've added well over 5,000 Python packages to date, and are adding more every day. The latest additions include more packages to support the Django framework, working with Azure, as well as a host of other popular packages.
We've introduced caching to the Platform, which has dramatically decreased build time in many cases, particularly for Linux builds. Essentially, if someone has already built the version of a package you need for the version of your operating system, that package will just be pulled from cache, rather than rebuilt. Builds that used to take 30-40 minutes now complete in one-tenth the time. Log into the ActiveState Platform and give it a try.
Python 2.7.17 & 32-Bit Windows Support
In preparation for the impending end of life for Python 2, as well as in response to numerous customer requests, ActiveState has provided support for building ActivePython 2.7.17 runtimes for both 64-bit and 32-bit Windows on the ActiveState Platform. If you need a 32-bit build, the best way to create one is to click on the "Build a Custom Runtime" button on Your Dashboard, and follow the project creation wizard to select Python 2.7.17 for either 32-bit Windows 7 or 32-bit Windows 10.
Komodo IDE v12 Preview
Just in time for the holidays, ActiveState is releasing a preview of Komodo IDE v12, which embeds the ActiveState Platform's CLI, the State Tool. Now, whenever you start a new project, the State Tool will optionally install a Perl or Python runtime for you so you can just focus on coding.
ActiveTcl 8.6.9 CE has been available on the ActiveState Platform for quite a while. But this week, we added the ability to build your own custom Tcl 8.6.9 runtimes. The simplest way to do so is to click on the "Build a Custom Runtime" button on Your Dashboard, and use the project creation wizard to create your Tcl runtime for Windows, Linux or both.
Python 2 to 3 Migration
As we know from our Python 2 EOL survey, 66% of organizations have either already migrated, or are in the process of migrating their Python 2 applications to Python 3. But if you haven't started yet, you may want to check our recent Python 2 to 3 migration blog, and download the accompanying runtime that includes packages like six, future and 2to3.
We'd like to thank everyone who participated in our Python 2 EOL Survey. More than 1200 respondents from across the globe in a wide range of industries provided us with valuable insight into the current state of Python 2 in the enterprise. The responses are currently being assessed, and will be made publicly available at the start of the new year. And congratulations to the lucky winner of the survey's camera drone draw, who will be receiving their prize just in time for Christmas.
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With over 200K developers on the ActiveState Platform, we've heard loud and clear that you want more packages!
As a result, we've been vetting thousands of popular Python 2 and 3 packages, verifying the metadata, ensuring they'll build, and are now adding them in batches over the next few weeks. Hundreds of the most commonly used packages are there right now - log into the Platform and check it out.
The goal is to make all of PyPI available on the Platform. As always, help us prioritize by telling us which packages you need!
Simplify Python Project Kickoff
In this short video, learn how the ActiveState Platformautomatically resolves Python dependencies and builds your dev environment so you can get coding faster.
ActiveState ran its annual developer survey again in 2019 to better understand open source runtime pains. We got 1,250 responses from developers in 88 countries. Here are some of the highlights:
Developers are still wasting time on retrofitting languages
More than 61% spend four hours or less per day programming, a nearly 20% decrease in time spent programming from 2018
Popularity and satisfaction aren't always connected
Developers use SQL the most often day to day, but Python has the highest satisfaction levels
Enterprise IT departments lack visibility into security threats
41% experienced some or a lot of problems ensuring security is up-to-date with the latest or most secure version of every package
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Python has passed Java as the second-most popular language on GitHub — check out Github's annual State of the Octoverse report which provides interesting insights into the industry.