[Python-Dev] Compiler used to build Python for Windows

[Greg Ewing]

Steven Bethard wrote:
> Is this mainly a request to use more open source tools?  Because if
> the concern is just cost, Python 2.6 and 3.0 compile with the free
> Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Express editions.

I don't think it's only about cost, it's about not
being reliant on tools that appear and disappear at
the whim of Microsoft. Their "free" compilers only
last until the next version, then they become
unavailable. So it can still be a problem finding
exactly the right version to match your Python
installation, if you missed the window of opportunity
to download it.

-- 
Greg