Mac backend problems for nearly all backends.

I've experienced many of the same problems on Mac OS X 10.6.3 (Snow Leopard). I have python/scipy/numpy/matplotlib/ipython all installed via Macports. I found the MacOSX backend to work OK, but I could not save a figure through the GUI. I finally have the WXagg backend working, but that required installed WXPython with the gtk/X11 backend.

HTH,
Jonathan

···

On 5/25/10 13:19 , matplotlib-users-request@lists.sourceforge.net wrote:

Date: Tue, 25 May 2010 12:58:49 -0600
From: Daniel Welling<dantwelling@...287...>
Subject: [Matplotlib-users] Mac backend problems for nearly all
  backends.
To:matplotlib-users@lists.sourceforge.net
Message-ID:
  <AANLkTikIDYmKIV6LtckWGBhnEhRD5ywqPsiN9OUNyoKC@...288...>
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Greetings.

I did quite a bit of digging on this and cannot find similar problems, but
if I did miss an earlier discussion, then I apologize.

In any case, I have been having royal problems with GUI backends and
matplotlib.
Some background on where I've been having these problems:
Machine 1: OSX 10.5.8 G5 PPC
Machine 2: OSX 10.5.7 Macbook pro/Intel
Code versions: python 2.5.4, Numpy 1.3.0, Scipy 0.7.0 (all obtained through
fink.)
MPL versions: 99.0.1 and 99.1.1 (Older obtained through fink, newer
installed from source.)
Compilers: gcc/g++ 4.0.1/Mac.

Here are the issues; behavior is consistent on both machines:

MacOSX backend: Loads plots quickly, but when I try to save, I cannot type
in the file name area of the save file dialog. Furthermore, with ipython, I
can continue to use the ipython prompt up until the I shut the plot window.
ipython then freezes until I control-c it. This occurs in both versions.

TkAgg backend: In 99.0.1, this works fine. However, it is slow, hence my
want for a different working backend. in 99.1.1, the plot window opens but
the picture is never drawn. After a moment, segfault back to the x11
prompt. Blerg.

I've tried nearly all of the GUI tool kits, but ran into some problem:
GtkAgg: Bad color (e.g. the background is pink rather than gray, color
tables are way goofed up. Writes to file fine.)
GtkCairo: looks great, crashes ipython on resize.
Wx: color issues, not stable.
Qt: installs from fink, but won't load.
Fltk: Couldn't get it to install via fink; can't remember why.

In any case, it's not the Gtk/Qt/Wx problems that are important, it's the
OSX backend issue. Others whom I work with do not have this issue, but
installed using the EPD.
Has anyone else experienced such problems? Anyone know possible fixes?
Given that this occurs on two different machines with two different MPL
versions (a total of 4 combinations), I'm guessing it's my fault somehow.

Thanks for your help; let me know if there's more info I can provide.

Jonathan Stickel wrote:

I've experienced many of the same problems on Mac OS X 10.6.3 (Snow Leopard). I have python/scipy/numpy/matplotlib/ipython all installed via Macports.

Just to be clear -- this sounds like a MacPorts problem, not necessarily an OS-X problem.

I finally have the WXagg backend working, but that required installed WXPython with the gtk/X11 backend.

Does MacPorts not allow a native wx? Maybe becasue you're running 64 bit?

Anyway, I guess that's why I don't use macports for python.

In any case, I have been having royal problems with GUI backends and
matplotlib.
Some background on where I've been having these problems:
Machine 1: OSX 10.5.8 G5 PPC

That's what I've been running, and I've had no real issues (Haven't tried the OS-X back-end) -- but I'm using the python.org python.

Machine 2: OSX 10.5.7 Macbook pro/Intel
Code versions: python 2.5.4, Numpy 1.3.0, Scipy 0.7.0 (all obtained through
fink.)

OK -- then a fink issue, rather than a Macports one -- same idea, though.

My impression is that neither fink nor macports do well with Mac GUI stuff -- unless you're talking X11.

-Chris

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