Can't get python running

[Thomas Jollans]

On 21/01/18 02:52, Chris Angelico wrote:
> On Sun, Jan 21, 2018 at 12:40 PM, bartc <bc at freeuk.com> wrote:
>> On 21/01/2018 01:21, Chris Angelico wrote:
>>>
>>> On Sun, Jan 21, 2018 at 12:08 PM, bartc <bc at freeuk.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> On 20/01/2018 17:16, Jim Sadler wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I downloaded python 3.6.4 and although everything about the installation
>>>>> seems correct (path, file size, checking on cmd to see if file installed
>>>>> correctly-it is)
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> What do you mean by 'checking on cmd'?
>>>>
>>>> I would install it somewhere like c:\python364, then it is easier to find
>>>> than having it buried in its default installation path (I assume this is
>>>> Windows).
>>>
>>>
>>> python36 is a better choice of name
>>
>>
>> That's what I use; I assumed everyone else used the 3-digit version in the
>> path.
> 
> Terrible assumption, given that it's not the default NOR a good idea :)
> 
>> , as it doesn't cause problems when
>>>
>>> you upgrade to a new bugfix release. But there are permissions issues
>>> with dropping stuff straight into the root directory, which is why the
>>> default installers now put Python into Program Files.
>>
>>
>> It's not in the root, the executable will be:
>>
>>   c:\python36\python.exe
>>
>> Not c:\python.exe. Yes, Windows allows you to have your own directories
>> within /. It's not Unix.
> 
> I meant putting the pythonXY directory straight into the root. Yes,
> Windows allows it... but only if you are administrator. I think.

AFAIK you also have to be administrator to install things in
r"C:\Program Files". If you install something user-only, (which more
software supports than many people think) it ends to somewhere in the
user directory.

I always thought that installing things in "Program Files" rather than
the root directory was just good manners (just like installing things in
/usr/local or /opt on GNU/Linux)

> Depends on the Windows version. And just FYI, Unix allows you to have
> your own directories within / too, so I don't know what your point is.
> Both OSes - recent versions, at least - restrict the creation of
> directories and files straight in the root.
> 
>>> Jim, let the installer put it where it wants to, and make sure you've
>>> added it to PATH. Then you should be able to type "py" to start
>>> Python.
>>
>>
>> If I try to install 3.7 (as I already have 3.6) it suggests putting it in:
>>
>>  c:\Users\users\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python37-32
>>
>> Not actually a snappy path if you need to get there in a hurry to sort out
>> problems. That is, in a location 7 levels deep.
>>
>> Get it working anywhere first to find out what the problem is.
>>
> 
> Get it working in the default location before you change things. The
> %PATH% environment variable exists to save you from typing seven
> levels of directory names.
> 
> ChrisA
>