Python compiled on Windows

[hg]

Duncan Booth wrote:

> Franz Steinhaeusler <franz.steinhaeusler at gmx.at> wrote:
> 
>> Hello, I'm only curious.
>> 
>> Why is Python and most extension (also wxPython) not built using an
>> open source compiler like gcc or g++ on Windows?
>> 
>> I'm always wondering, why Microsoft is still supported
>> in that way, using VC++ 7.1, if I'm not wrong.
>> 
>> Ok, maybe the compiled assembler code could be better, but
>> this cannot be the reason, or?
>> 
>> It would be wonderful (from the principle) if this could be possible.
>> From the standpoint of open source.
>> 
>> What are your opinions?
> 
> Practicality beats purity.
> 
> To maximise the interoperability of Python with other software on the
> platform it makes sense to use the best supported compiler environment for
> the platform.

Still, if one considers the many threads of people trying to get it to work
with the "free" version + other people that had to invest in VS mostly for
that (I did) / it might eventually be fair to reconsider.

+ a dll is a dll 

hg