Can't get python running

Chris Angelico rosuav at gmail.com
Sat Jan 20 20:52:10 EST 2018


On Sun, Jan 21, 2018 at 12:40 PM, bartc <bc at freeuk.com> wrote:
> On 21/01/2018 01:21, Chris Angelico wrote:
>>
>> On Sun, Jan 21, 2018 at 12:08 PM, bartc <bc at freeuk.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> On 20/01/2018 17:16, Jim Sadler wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I downloaded python 3.6.4 and although everything about the installation
>>>> seems correct (path, file size, checking on cmd to see if file installed
>>>> correctly-it is)
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> What do you mean by 'checking on cmd'?
>>>
>>> I would install it somewhere like c:\python364, then it is easier to find
>>> than having it buried in its default installation path (I assume this is
>>> Windows).
>>
>>
>> python36 is a better choice of name
>
>
> That's what I use; I assumed everyone else used the 3-digit version in the
> path.

Terrible assumption, given that it's not the default NOR a good idea :)

> , as it doesn't cause problems when
>>
>> you upgrade to a new bugfix release. But there are permissions issues
>> with dropping stuff straight into the root directory, which is why the
>> default installers now put Python into Program Files.
>
>
> It's not in the root, the executable will be:
>
>   c:\python36\python.exe
>
> Not c:\python.exe. Yes, Windows allows you to have your own directories
> within /. It's not Unix.

I meant putting the pythonXY directory straight into the root. Yes,
Windows allows it... but only if you are administrator. I think.
Depends on the Windows version. And just FYI, Unix allows you to have
your own directories within / too, so I don't know what your point is.
Both OSes - recent versions, at least - restrict the creation of
directories and files straight in the root.

>> Jim, let the installer put it where it wants to, and make sure you've
>> added it to PATH. Then you should be able to type "py" to start
>> Python.
>
>
> If I try to install 3.7 (as I already have 3.6) it suggests putting it in:
>
>  c:\Users\users\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python37-32
>
> Not actually a snappy path if you need to get there in a hurry to sort out
> problems. That is, in a location 7 levels deep.
>
> Get it working anywhere first to find out what the problem is.
>

Get it working in the default location before you change things. The
%PATH% environment variable exists to save you from typing seven
levels of directory names.

ChrisA



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