[Python-Dev] New update to PEP397 (original) (raw)

[Python-Dev] New update to PEP397 - Python launcher for Windows

anatoly techtonik techtonik at gmail.com
Thu Jul 21 14:13:16 CEST 2011

If you're going to include this into standard Python distribution, it needs more attention from users. As a user, I can not find any references to any user stories in this PEP article. Abstract chapter is totally useless

"This PEP (named 'Python launcher for Windows') describes a Python launcher for the Windows platform." - it is a waste of time to read such stuff.

"A Python launcher is a single executable which uses a number of heuristics to locate a Python executable and launch it with a specified command line." - this doesn't answer main questions - Why Launcher is needed, i.e. is there a problem? Can it be solved? How this PEP helps to solve the problem?

I see that this launcher is an .msi file. Shouldn't it be portable and don't require administrative privileges? How about KISS?

anatoly t.

On Thu, Jul 21, 2011 at 9:35 AM, Mark Hammond <skippy.hammond at gmail.com> wrote:

I've updated PEP 397 - "Python launcher for Windows" based on recent discussions and Vinay's implementation.

http://www.python.org/dev/peps/pep-0397/ and a copy is attached for your convenience. The main changes are: * All mentions of the Python reference implementation have been removed now that a C implementation exists and is a more accurate implementation of the PEP than the Python version. * Some "implementation details" have been removed and links added to the launcher docs.  This was done mainly so the implementation is free to make changes based on user feedback and still stay true to the PEP. Note that the launcher doc link doesn't exist right now, but should magically appear over the next couple of days as Vinay pushes some changes I just sent him. * The recommendation to install into System32 has been changed to a recommendation to install directly into \Windows, as the System32 directory is not on the default path for 32bit processes on a 64bit Windows.  Vinay even has a version of an MSI installer which installs into this directory.  The PEP also gives installers more leeway on where to install the launcher if this directory is not writable. I think this PEP is getting close to being finalized - please suggest whatever changes you feel are necessary ASAP as soon I'll be asking for pronouncement. Thanks - especially to Vinay for taking on the C implementation! Mark

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