Does Subversion *Really* Require ActivePython?

Question

It is listed as a requirement, but I'd rather not install it since I already have Python 3.1.1 installed.

If I must, are there any issues with the two Python versions co-existing (on Windows)?

From the ReadMe: http://www.collab.net/nonav/downloads/subversion/readme/svn1.6%5Fserver%5Fclient%5Fwindows.html CollabNet Subversion Server and Client Installer for Windows Version 1.6.6-4 Release Date: October 22, 2009

1. Platform and configuration

   Product: CollabNet Subversion Server Certified platforms: Windows XP SP2, Win 2003(Standard Edition) R2 Apache version: 2.2.13 ViewVC: 1.0.9 (requires ActiveState Python 2.5) Repository format: fsfs (bdb support not included)

Answer 1

I think the answer to this is "no", Subversion doesn't require Python. Which Subversion package are you installing? I suspect that if you're installing the Python language bindings file, then it probably lists Python as a requirement. Otherwise, I'm not aware of anything in Subversion that specifically requires Python.

Update: I see you've listed ViewVC as a part of that install package, which is a separate project (and happens to be written in Python). That explains it.

Answer 2

Subversion doesn't require anything, but some GUIs might.

http://subversion.tigris.org/getting.html#windows

Answer 3

You should be able to install as many versions of Python as you like on a machine. Since 3.x isn't fully compatible with 2.6, they're meant to co-exist.

The Apache binaries shouldn't have the requirement, nor the plug-ins, nor something like TortiseSVN. The CollabNet distribution, I'm guessing, is what you're looking at.