Best practice: python vs sage-python

asked 2014-02-06 14:50:49 +0100

Bitwise
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Like some other users, I installed sage on a system that already has python, so I end up with two copies of python.

What is the best practice in this case?

It makes sense to restrict myself to consistently use only one of these (by setting the environment variables properly). Probably the Sage python would be better to use, so that installed packages are available in Sage.

Should I remove the original python I had installed, or just leave it be?

I would be happy to hear how other people have this set up and what are other considerations I should be aware of.

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This is not really a question. However, I don't see any reason to uninstall your system's copy of python. Just my 2 pence.

Luca ( 2014-02-06 15:34:33 +0100 )edit

@Luca perhaps community-wiki is better?

Bitwise ( 2014-02-06 15:38:23 +0100 )edit

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answered 2014-02-06 15:36:34 +0100

tmonteil
27423 ●31 ●204 ●517 http://wiki.sagemath.o...

It really depends on your daily python uses. According to packages, it is not so clear: your distro may propose a lots of packages, for example in Debian:

apt-cache search --names-only python | grep ^python | wc

Leads to 1846 available packages, which you can install very easily. Moreover, some general-interest software rely on python and are integrated/tested with the one provided by your distro (and may depend on python package that will be hard to remove with the package manager).

As for me, i use Sage's python for mathematical related stuff, and distro-python for other (e.g. sysadmin) uses.

The best long-term solution would be to have Sage being able to use the python that is shipped by the distro, not the converse.

By the way, if you plan to remove your distro's python and let your system use Sage's everywhere, I will be curious to hear about your experience !

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*The best long-term solution would be to have Sage being able to use the python that is shipped by the distro* - is that currently possible?

Bitwise ( 2014-02-06 15:40:08 +0100 )edit

I don't think so. There are currently some attempts to make Sage being able to use the softwares that come from the distro if they exist instead of providing everything, but this is not ready yet.

tmonteil ( 2014-02-06 16:36:08 +0100 )edit

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