python: import gnucash

[Mark Jenkins]

> Everything compiled fine, was able to load my data into the db. Now I
> try to use python, but I'm not sure what to set my PYTHONPATH to.

The installation location is determined by automake macros, as it 
depends on your platform, python, and choice of --prefix.
http://www.gnu.org/software/hello/manual/automake/Python.html

When you run ./configure, it is announced as follows:

"""
checking for python extension module directory... 
${exec_prefix}/lib/python2.5/site-packages
"""

So you can see that for me that's in 
${exec_prefix}/lib/python2.5/site-packages

After successful installation there will be a gnucash directory in 
there. Your PYTHONPATH should be the containing directory, not the 
gnucash one itself.

> I've
> looked around my system, but I can't find anything that looks like a
> Python gnucash Module except for gnucash_core.py in the source tree. I
> tried using that:

Do you have --enable-python-bindings set when you configure? What does 
configure say when it's doing python tests? Does python-bindings appear 
at the end under "Options detected/selected" for "Optional components"?

Also of note, the python development stuff (include, and lib) required 
for compiling are identified with the macros/ac_python_devel.ac.
http://www.nongnu.org/autoconf-archive/ac_python_devel.html

This macro file is now obsolete and superseded by
http://www.nongnu.org/autoconf-archive/ax_python_devel.html

An upgrade may enable more people to be able to build this.