MacPorts for Python on Leopard

Question

I haven't found any concrete language on the terminal commands for installing python 3.1 on Leopard using MacPorts. I already have 2.5.1 on Leopard by way of Apple. I don't want to mess with this version & I think having the newer version of Python running from my opt/local file would be better. Also SQL3 comes packed with the standard Python version on Leopard. Do I need to download SQL3 again via MacPorts in order for it to work with Python 3.1? thanks.

Answer 1

I haven't found any concrete language on the terminal commands for installing python 3.1 on Leopard using MacPorts.

sudo port install python31 will install Python 3.1 (into /opt/local). In general, port install <portname> will install a port. You can find ports using port search <string> or search online.

I already have 2.5.1 on Leopard by way of Apple. I don't want to mess with this version & I think having the newer version of Python running from my opt/local file would be better.

MacPorts will install everything under /opt/local, and won't touch your Apple-supplied installs.

Do I need to download SQL3 again via MacPorts in order for it to work with Python 3.1?

MacPorts will install the dependencies you need. python31 depends on sqlite3, so SQLite 3 will automatically be downloaded and installed (under /opt/local -- Apple's version won't be touched).

Answer 2

You've tagged this question with django, but note that Django is currently not compatible with Python 3.x.

Answer 3

Here's an alternative way to install all Python flavors wherever you want:

$ cd <wherever>
$ svn http://svn.plone.org/svn/collective/buildout/python
$ cd python
$ python2.6 bootstrap.py
$ bin/buildout

It uses the system shipped Python to bootstrap the process. You'll also need Subversion installed. Make sure to edit the buildout.cfg file to add/remove versions you don't need.

It also installs PIL, readline, setuptools, virtualenv and a few more goodies, it's worth a try.