[Python-Dev] Improving bsddb detection in setup.py

[Guido van Rossum]

> Folks,
> 
> Back about the time 2.1.1 was in the throes of final release, I submitted a
> patch to setup.py.  Thomas didn't want to apply it that close to the
> release.  It's still sitting there:
> 
>     http://sourceforge.net/tracker/?func=detail&aid=440725&group_id=5470&atid=105470
> 
> I'd like to see this or something like it get into the distribution.
> Sleepycat keeps changing file formats, so there are now three incompatible
> versions of libdb out there.  It's a pain in the tush making the switch.
> 
> I know there's another bsddb module floating around out there as well.  If
> that turns out to be backward compatible with the existing bsddb module,
> that would be okay too.  I think you're always going to have to do a fancy
> dance in setup.py because of the proliferation of incompatible versions of
> libdb. 
> 
> Skip

Skip, now would be the perfect time to check it in.  We'll try it in
the alpha.

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