[Zope3-Users] need guidance

[Duncan McGreggor]

On Nov 30, 2005, at 12:13 PM, Brad Allen wrote:

>> Hmm, again, I think you *might* want to stay away from an approach 
>> that interacts directly with the ZODB. Unless you're not using 
>> z3/Zope 2...
>
> I didn't see this posting until after I started a new thread called
> "Direct ZODB access in a Zope3 instance". So, why is it a bad
> idea?

Well, it's a great idea if your application is non-zope python with a 
need for "versioned" storage.

It's not such a good idea if your application is a zope app because 
those app servers do so much of the work for you, with many years of 
honing put into them.

The best thing to do is learn how to use the app server/framework such 
that your work is minimized (both short- and long-term) and such that 
the final product is a stable as possible (building on prior, tested, 
and proven work).

Direct access in a z3 app is usually made for debugging purposes, and 
used with the pdb, can be very effective for hunting down and solving 
issues.

As per your other email, the reason you had problems was because your 
z3 instance was already running. If you are not using ZEO, you need to 
stop z3 in order to gain access to the ZODB.

Have you seen Benji's quick start guide? In addition to Stephan 
Richter's book, you ought to read Philipp von Weitershausen's book too. 
As of zope3.1, it's a little out of date, but only in a few areas. The 
conceptual explanations and careful, hands-on, examples-based approach 
is pure gold. His and Stephan's book are the perfect couple ;-)

Links:
   http://worldcookery.com/ (Philipp's book is here)
   http://www.benjiyork.com/quick_start/

In addition, I've written a python script that auto-generates a starter 
z3 project for you, after asking a couple questions. If you want to use 
it, I'd be more than willing to answer any questions about it (an thus 
improve it) off-list. You can download it here:
   http://www.zope.org/Members/adytumsolutions/z3project_starter

I'll got back to your original post and try to do a better job of 
answering your questions.

d