[Python-Dev] Configure option to change Python's name? (original) (raw)

Jack Jansen Jack.Jansen at cwi.nl
Wed Jan 21 11:08:04 EST 2004

This idea is only half-baked, so please fire away, or tell me to go ahead, or go hide under a stone.

I would like a configure option that changes the name of "python" everywhere: in the executable, in the dynamic library name, the MacOSX framework name, etc. This would allow you to have two Pythons on a system that are completely 100% independent of each other.

The idea was triggered by Michael Hudson, who wanted to install a debugging-enabled framework build of Python on MacOSX, which shouldn't interfere with the normal Python (either Apple-installed or user-installed). It turns out this is doable through meticulous hacking of the Makefile after configure (and, for now, ignoring the few hardcoded "Python.framework" references in Lib, but those need fixing anyway). For other unix systems a similar approach would work to isolate a debug-python from the normal production python.

But then I thought of another use: this would allow you to have a MacPython 2.3.3 distribution as well as the Apple-installed 2.3 distribution without any interference possible. And there are probably similar uses on other platforms.

Jack Jansen, <Jack.Jansen at cwi.nl>, http://www.cwi.nl/~jack If I can't dance I don't want to be part of your revolution -- Emma Goldman

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