[Python-Dev] Python install layout and the PATH on win32

[Mark Hammond]

On 14/03/2012 6:43 AM, VanL wrote:
> Following up on conversations at PyCon, I want to bring up one of my
> personal hobby horses for change in 3.3: Fix install layout on Windows,
> with a side order of making the PATH work better.

...

For the sake of brain-storming, how about this:

* All executables and scripts go into the root of the Python install. 
This directory is largely empty now - it is mainly a container for other 
directories.  This would solve the problem of needing 2 directories on 
the PATH and mean existing tools which locate the executable would work 
fine.

* If cross-platform consistency was desired, then we could consider 
making other platforms match this.  However, if there are issues which 
might prevent this happening for other platforms (eg, the risk of 
breaking other 3rd party tools, conventions on the platform ,etc) then 
it might be worth conceding these considerations apply equally to the 
Windows installs and we just live with this platform difference.

Mark