[Python-Dev] zlib not compiled by default

[Guido van Rossum]

> Neither. Let me explain: I *don't* care about RPM and Debian packages, nor
> about windows installers. Those who create such packages have time on
> their hands, and usually a pretty good Python and C knowledge. What I do
> care about, is that when building a complete Python interpreter from
> source on a UNIX system, one has the option of downloading the sumo
> package, type "./configure;make;make install", drink a cup of coffee, and
> have a Python installation which does what he needs. 
> 
> Take me, for example. I've decided to write a GUI in Python, and I need to
> -- download Tcl 8.0 (because that's what Python 1.5.2 works with), and
>    compile it
> -- download Tk 8.0 and compile it
> -- Edit the Modules/Setup file to point to my Tcl/Tk installation
> -- Compile Python
> 
> Now, if I find out later (as I have) that PIL would make my life easier,
> I need to download PIL, edit *it* so it builds against my Tcl/Tk, and
> install it. (Eventually, I decided to go without PIL because I don't have
> the time)
> 
> Then I want to prototype some XML manipulation in Python. So I have to
> find out where expat lives, compile it, and only then I can get PyExpat
> to work. 
> 
> Now, if I were using Debian, I'd simply spend some quality time with
> apt-get and get over this. But I'm using Solaris, and later I might need
> to port to AIX. So I'm using source distributions, and it is simply
> painful.

Bah, Solaris.  Who still uses that old crap? :-)

Or you could wait for ActivePython, which promises a binary
distribution of Python 2.0 for Solaris.
http://www.activestate.com/Products/ActivePython.html

--Guido van Rossum (home page: http://dinsdale.python.org/~guido/)