On Tue, 2003-08-12 at 06:50, John Goerzen wrote: > Hello, > > Many Python programs use constructs like #!/usr/bin/env python2.3 to load > themselves. Many others use #!/usr/bin/python2.3. On most Debian systems, > these are the same. > > The submitter in #189473 claims that #!/usr/bin/env python2.3 is wrong > because he has his own python2.3 on the path prior to the system's, and it > doesn't necessarily have requisite libraries for the programs being run.
The submitter is basically right. There have been discussions about this on this list in the past. However, the python policy has the following; Programs that can run with any version of Python should be started with `#!/usr/bin/python'. They must also specify a dependency on `python'. You're free to use `#!/usr/bin/env python', if you'd like to give the user a chance to override the Debian Python package with a local version. and; Programs which require a specific version of Python must start with `#!/usr/bin/python<X>.<Y>'. They must also specify a dependency on `python<X>.<Y>'. Again, if you're using `#!/usr/bin/env python<X>.<Y>', please be aware that a user might override the Debian Python package with a local version. Despite the Python Policy allowing you to use #!/usr/bin/env, the general consensus is that it is a bad idea. Package maintainers who choose to use it must be prepared to justify their decision and deal with bug reports from users with broken local installations of python. -- Donovan Baarda <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> http://minkirri.apana.org.au/~abo/