Backwards Compatibility of Python versions

[Sheila King]

I'm trying to persuade my web host to install a more recent version of
Python than 1.5.2. Yes, they have RH Linux system with the default 1.5.2.
While I've installed my own more recent version of Python within my own
space, since all of my "friends" at the webhost only have access to 1.5.2,
I usually try to restrict my code to a subset that will run under 1.5.2 so
that I can distribute it to others at my host.

In the past, the system admin has mentioned that he is not wanting to
upgrade Python because the system utilities in RH Linux depend on the 1.5.2
and he doesn't want to break anything.

Recently, I brought this topic up again (in the community discussion
forums) and asked if it wouldn't be possible to install a more recent
version *ALONGSIDE* the system default version. (I know the answer to this
is 'yes', but I'm trying to 'suggest' it...)

He did respond that he is *thinking* about it. However, in addition to the
aforementioned concern (breaking system utilities) he now added the
following comments:

""" Also, from what I understand of python, when they roll out upgrades,
there are somewhat unforgiving of backwards compatibility...

What I don't want to happen is I roll out a new python (version of the
month) and our support box is stuffed with - why did you upgrade it if it
was working fine??? Now you have broken all my programs going from python
2.0 --> 2.1 --> 2.2 --> etc...

This is what turns me off of tracking python, from a server administrators
viewpoint...

At least with Perl and PHP - they do everything possible to retain
backwards compatibility...

Perhaps this is all FUD, spread by the Perl and PHP camps... """

I responded, that it is essentially FUD. But, Python did recently release
an upgrade that breaks old code (the whole division operator issue). Would
someone like to respond to these concerns? I told the sysadmin that I would
research this issue and report back.

--
Sheila King
http://www.thinkspot.net/sheila/
http://www.k12groups.org/