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pythonmacososx-snow-leopardvpython

Installing VPython in Snow Leopard


I've just started university, and we have to install Python. That's fine, cause it's built-in to OSX (Snow Leopard). I have installed matplotlib, numpy and scipy using this: http://stronginference.com/scipy-superpack/

It works perfectly, and I don't have to install the python.org version. But, now we have to install VPython, which requires the Python.org version (2.7).

I just want to know if it's possible to install just the library's in the apple version of Python (2.6.1).


Solution

  • This is a complicated software with a complicated build process, so first and foremost I'd advice you to save yourself some trouble and compile your own Python 2.7 and install it as a user somewhere under your home directory / install the MacOS X binary of 2.7 (probably also as a user under your home directory, but I'm less sure about that) [1]. VPython is complicated software and if they explicitly say that the want 2.7 in their docs they probably have a good reason. It might be possible but I'd expect various problems when trying with another version than their recommended one.

    But if you really want to have a shot, what they call their 'Linux' download is actually their source tree. Download and try to build that with your custom build/installation of Python as basis.

    [1] Compiling Python is a great learning experience, especially in combination with virtualenv and Distrubute. Multiple isolated Python's FTW.