Python Distutils

Question

I was unable to install cython due to strict version numbering class of Distutils. For example binutils-2.18.50-20080109-2.tar.gz cannot be used along with MinGW for installing cython. The source code documentation says that "The rationale for this version numbering system will be explained in the distutils documentation." I am unable to find the rationale.

My question: What is the rationale for this version numbering system?

Answer 1

You could try this unofficial MinGW distribution, it has a simple install process that sets up distutils to use it for compiling extensions.

Answer 2

That's just another stupidness of distutils. I personally remove this annoying check in my distutils installation on every windows machine I have to use.

Installing another mingw version would work as long as it passes the version check - but really, the whole idea of checking version of the tools does not make much sense.