[Python-Dev] Fwd: Broken link to download (Mac OS X)

["Martin v. Löwis"]

Paul Rudin wrote:
> "Martin v. Löwis" <martin at v.loewis.de> writes:
> 
>> The major difference in the "do it yourself" attitude is that Mac user
>> get a compiler for free, as part of the operating system release,
>> whereas for Windows, they have to pay for it (leaving alone VS Express
>> for the moment).
> 
> JOOI why ignore the express versions of the MS compilers? All (I think)
> MS compilers are available for free in command line versions - it's the
> GUI tools you pay for.

Primarily out of a historical perspective: I think "we" started
providing Windows binaries primarily because some people bought the
appropriate license (of Visual Studio, and Wise Installer). IMO, that's
a stronger reason than mere convenience.

As for available tools: I'm not sure how you would build an AMD64
release just with those tools.

Regards,
Martin