[Python-bugs-list] TCL_LIBRARY variable for win32 (PR#130)

[grant.griffin@alliedsignal.com]

Full_Name: Grant Griffin
Version: 1.5.2
OS: Windows NT 4.0
Submission from: tmpce001.alliedsignal.com (208.238.117.8)


I would like to suggest that the "TCL_LIBRARY" variable be automatically set by
the Win32 installer program.  Currently, this is a manual process.  It can be
frustrating for the user because when he tries to run a Tkinter program, it says
"cannot find tcl80.dll...".  (I was able to figure out the solution here only by
digging through comp.lang.python in Deja.)

Therefore, I recommend the installer be changed as follows:

1) Do TCL installation before Python, not after.
2) Somehow figure out what the value of TCL_LIBRARY should be as a function of
the directory that the user had installed TCL in.
3) Automatically write the proper value of TCL_LIBRARY into the Windows
registry.

Alternatively, you could just add a prompt like "In order to use TCL with
Python, you must set the 'TCL_LIBRARY' environment variable to point to the
directory where tcl80.dll is installed."

Anyway, thanks, guys--keep up the GREAT work!

-Grant