[Python-Dev] Re: FWD: Re: Problem w/ IDLE on Win2000

[Tim Peters]

[Thomas Heller]
> So, shouldn't the installer simply warn and offer to select a
> different path, or simply refuse to install, when the user selects a
> directory containing a space?

More installer code == more chances to screw up, and any restriction will
irritate some classes of users.  IDLE in particular should be friendly to
"determined idiots", in spite of themselves.  By default, the installer
suggests a path not only devoid of spaces, but a path equal to its 8.3 DOS
name.  "Long names" can create problems too, even if they're devoid of
spaces (people using Python for CGI on Windows bump into that one).  People
unwilling to accept the experience that went into the defaults will have to
learn the hard way; it's educational to let them <wink>.