Python installing on Debian

[Ryan Spencer]

> It actually needn't be that messy. dpkg --purge'ing will only remove the
> package in question, whereas using a program such as debfoster and pruning
> the selected target package will remove all it's associate dependencies
> entirely eradicating it from your system, maybe leaving behind empty
> configuration folders in your home directory, but there's no fret for
> that those won't be taking up barely any space and you can always remove
> them later.
> 
> So, I'd say use debfoster and prune the python2.3 package. It won't be a
> messy process at all. Just remember, when it prompts the package
> python2.3, remember to push 'p' for prune, not 'n' for that 'n' (standing
> for 'no') will do the same thing as dpkg --purge and simply remove the
> package in question.
> 
> There is the beginning concern of when using debfoster it will inquire
> about every single dpkg on your system (If I am correct, it should read
> something alike the apt-cache which, even with manual installation of
> dpkg's, still is written to, keeping a meticulous record of all dpkg's
> on your system. If not the apt-cache, I know it's another file.) But once
> you get past all the programs you want and don't want, it keeps the
> remaining information in the /var/lib/debfoster/keepers file, which you
> can always edit if you accidentilly kept something.
> 
> And also, I wouldn't say installing certain packages would break
> much - although I wouldn't mark out the possibility of it happening in
> unstable and testing, I sometimes forget constant recorrection I had to
> go through. Possible replacement of certain library
> files for applications, but that's also an issue of whether or not the
> actual library file or application itself has issues, and that's a risk
> you take in using unstable and testing. For example, I have an Nvidia
> Geforce four and I would constantly have problems with glibc conflicting
> with my video card. If you wander through the debian newsgroups you'll
> notice many others have experienced the same problem, it's merely a
> question of the glibc's lack of testing - which is why it's in the testing
> phase of debian.
> 
> The underline is that testing and unstable are more for those that A)
> Don't mind having sometimes broken packages in exchange for bleeding edge
> software and B) Developers helping in the aid of testing out applications
> and hopefully moving testing into it's 'stable' state if tested vigorously
> enough.
> 
> Take Care,
> ~Ryan

Also, though, Reading back through, He is right about the possible
self-compiled modules, which then I would also advise using stow for
keeping things neat.

~Ryan