The release of Python 3 has been a major undertaking for the Python
community, both technically and socially. So far the PyPy interpreter
implements only version 2 of the Python language and is increasingly
used in production systems. It thus contributes to the general risk
of a long lasting Python community split where a lot of people
continue using Python 2 while others work with Python 3, making it
harder for everyone.
The PyPy project is in a unique position in that it could support
**both Python 2 and Python 3** versions from the same code base, fully
reusing its unique translation and JIT-Compiler technologies.
However, it requires a lot of work, and it will take a long time
before we can complete a Python 3 port if we only wait for volunteer
work. Thus, we are asking the community to help with funding the
necessary work, to make it happen faster. Here_ is a more detailed view on how our proposed work benefits the Python community and the general public.
Below you'll find the `planned stages of work`_ and the associated
fundraising targets we need to make things happen. Once we reach the
necessary target for each stage, we will start contracting
developers. Contracts and money are managed by the non-profit
`Software Freedom Conservancy`_ of which the PyPy project is a member.
The current elected representatives are Carl Friedrich Bolz, Holger
Krekel and Jacob Hallen and they will - in close collaboration - with
Conservancy and the core developers, select the best developers for
the Python 3 porting job among well known PyPy contributors.
If you want to see PyPy support Python 3 and Python 2, donate here:
XXX insert links to Paypal and Google Chekcout links categorized such
that things will get accounted properly on the Conservancy side
Should we not receive enough donations to complete all stages by 1st March 2012
at the latest, we will try our best to make PyPy support Python 3 anyway. We
however reserve the right to shift any unused funds to other PyPy activities
when that date is reached. Of course, since the Conservancy is a
501(c)(3) chartiable organization incorporated in NY, USA, all funds will,
regardless of their use, be spent in a way that benefits the general
public, the advancement of Open Source and Free Software,
and in particular the PyPy community and the PyPy codebase.
**Note** For donations higher than $XXX we can arrange for an invoice and a different payment method to avoid the high Paypal fees. Please contact pypy at sfconservancy.org if you want to know details