[Python-Dev] Fwd: Broken link to download (Mac OS X)

["Martin v. Löwis"]

> Right - but we were discussing this in the context of barrier to entry,
> particularly to new users. We don't impose this requirement for Windows
> users though - we provide binary installers.
> 
> I *know* we're a volunteer organisation (etc), but it is good for us to
> be aware of our process weaknesses without excusing ourselves.

I think nobody here is questioning that it is desirable to have OSX
binaries. And I readily admit that this is a weakness.

> Unfortunately the Mac installer build script doesn't seem to run at all
> on Mac OS X 10.6 (at least not on my machine),  but hopefully the
> situation is clarified so that one of us who does still have Mac OS X
> 10.5 will be able to build the installer in a timely manner for the next
> release should Ronald be too busy.

I'm not sure whether 10.5 would be sufficient - it may be that you need
to go back to 10.4 (*). Unfortunately, Apple manages to break
compatibility and portability with every release, which makes this
particular build task soooo tricky. You have to make all kinds of
decisions and compromises where are really difficult to keep track of.

Regards,
Martin

(*) I know that this is the version I had to go back to when I created
OSX binaries for 2.5.x.