http://hg.python.org/devguide/rev/9363db42626a changeset: 453:9363db42626a user: Ezio Melotti <ezio.melotti@gmail.com> date: Thu Sep 22 00:07:04 2011 +0300 summary: #13010: explain why the python executable has an .exe extension on OS X. files: setup.rst | 5 +++-- 1 files changed, 3 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-) diff --git a/setup.rst b/setup.rst --- a/setup.rst +++ b/setup.rst @@ -124,8 +124,9 @@ Once CPython is done building you will then have a working build that can be run in-place; ``./python`` on most machines (and what is used in -all examples), ``./python.exe`` on OS X (when on a case-insensitive filesystem, -which is the default). There is normally no need to install your built copy +all examples), ``./python.exe`` wherever a case-insensitive filesystem is used +(e.g. on OS X by default), in order to avoid conflicts with the ``Python`` +directory. There is normally no need to install your built copy of Python! The interpreter will realize where it is being run from and thus use the files found in the working copy. If you are worried you might accidentally install your working copy build, you can add -- Repository URL: http://hg.python.org/devguide