Changes between Version 2 and Version 3 of PythonGuidelines

Timestamp:

Mar 8, 2010, 2:54:07 PM (15 years ago)

Author:

Chris Jerdonek

Comment:

Added preliminary instructions on how to install new versions of Python on a Mac.

PythonGuidelines

@@ -11 +11 @@
  * Most of WebKit's Python scripts require Python 2.5 to run.
 
-== Upgrading Python ==
+== Installing a new version of Python ==
 
-FIXME: fill in this section.
+[Most of these instructions are Mac-specific.]
 
-== Mac OS X Snow Leopard ==
+You can tell what version of Python you are currently using by typing--
+{{{
+python -V
+}}}
 
-(This section may not be necessary.  WebKit is still discussing what Python versions we need to support.)
+Before trying to install a new version, check whether your machine already has other versions installed.  From a Mac, you can try reading the man page--
+{{{
+man python
+}}}
+On Snow Leopard you will find that your machine comes with Python 2.5, 2.6, and 3.0.  The man page also provides instructions on how to switch your system between these system-installed versions.
 
-Python 2.4 is not officially installed or supported on Snow Leopard (Mac OS X 10.6).  Because of this, you may need to install Python 2.4 yourself.  After installing [http://guide.macports.org/ MacPorts], you should be able to install Python 2.4 and python_select as follows (roughly).  python_select allows you to quickly go back and forth between Python versions:
+If you need to install a new version not on your machine, you can use [http://guide.macports.org/ MacPorts] to do this.  MacPorts allows you to install Python versions alongside your system versions without interfering with them.  After installing MacPorts, simply type (for example)--
+{{{
+sudo port install python26
+}}}
+We recommend that Tiger users with 2.3 install Python 2.6 for starters.
 
- * Type `sudo port install python24`
- * Type `sudo port install python_select`
- * Then you should be able to type select Python 2.4 using, for example,`sudo python_select python24`.
- * Use `python_select -l` to find out what versions are available on your machine.
+You should probably also install python_select using MacPorts--
+{{{
+sudo port install python_select
+}}}
 
+The python_select command allows you to quickly go back and forth between Python versions, like so--
+{{{
+> python -V
+Python 2.6.4
+> sudo python_select python24
+Selecting version "python24" for python
+> python -V
+Python 2.4.6
+}}}
+
+To find out what versions of Python you can switch to using python_select, type--
+{{{
+python_select -l
+}}}
+
+