[Python-Dev] Python install layout and the PATH on win32

[Terry Reedy]

On 3/14/2012 11:22 AM, VanL wrote:
> On 3/13/2012 9:58 PM, Terry Reedy wrote:
>
>>> Given that we already repeat it, isn't it better to be consistent?
>>
>> But there is no repetition currently on Windows installations.
>> I though you were just proposing to switch lib (lower-cased, and scripts
>> renamed as bin, and pythonxx). So I do not think I yet understand what
>> the proposal is and how it would be different from what I have now.
>
> Aaah, I was looking at my local installations, which happen to be
> "nt-user". Looking at the system installation ("nt") I see that there is
> no repetition.

Are you talking about 'install for all users' versus 'install for this 
user only'? I have always done the former as I see no point to the 
latter on my machine, even if another family member has an account.

> I am fine with keeping the distinction between
 > base installs (no py_version)

I have no idea what this means. As far as I can remember, each 
installation of Python x.y (back to 1.3 for me, on DOS) has gone into a 
pythonxy (no dot) directory, with subdirectories much as Jim J. described.

> and user installs (including a py_version). I would just
> suggest that when you have a py_version, it be the same py_version (not
> dots sometimes, nodot other times).
>
> It also begs the question as to whether the py_version is *ever* needed.

Whenever multiple versions are installed, of course a version marker is 
needed. Even if not, it is helpful to be able to see what version is 
installed. But I probably am not understanding what you mean.

-- 
Terry Jan Reedy