[BioPython] mod_python (cmcgruder@mcn.net)

[Mike Cariaso]

I've used mod_perl, back in my perl days, and would like to raise one
extra issue with mod_python & biopython. Since the interpreter is
embedded into the webserver, it remains running for a very long time.
Which is great for speed, but means that as the cgi is executed, it is
not starting with a fresh clean memory space. Variables that are not
explicitly reset to default values, will retain values from the previous
cgi. Python will probably have less of this, since it seems to generate
warning if a variable is used without being initialized, unlike perl's
autovivication, which developers too often rely on.

If there are any issues with mod_python & biopython this is likely to be
the source. It's probably quite safe to use these two together, but if
you notice any strange behavior this is a probable cause. Please report
it back to the list if you find any such concerns.

Michael Cariaso
Director Bioinformatics
Endogeny Bio Corp
9700 Great Seneca Highway
Rockville, MD 20850
Tel: 240-453-8461
Fax: 301-424-4828
mcariaso at endogenybio.com