linux

Debian

• debian python2.6 as default?

If alternatives are already set up:

update-alternatives --config python

…then choose from the list that’s presented.

If they’re not set up, then do this:

• If there is a symlink already set up, save it:

  sudo mv /usr/bin/python /usr/bin/pythonSAVE
  

• Create the alternatives

  sudo update-alternatives --install python2.4 python /usr/bin/python2.4 10
  sudo update-alternatives --install python2.5 python /usr/bin/python2.5 20
  sudo update-alternatives --install python2.6 python /usr/bin/python2.6 30
  

  Note: The option with the highest value for the last parameter will be the default.

• Create a new symlink

  sudo ln -s /etc/alternatives/python /usr/bin/python
  

• Choose the one you want to use:

  sudo update-alternatives --config python
  

Script

To create a nice python script in linux:

• Create a folder for the scripts:

  mkdir ~/bin/
  

• Add the bin folder to the PATH (see ../linux/bash/environment-variables).

• At the top of the script:

  #!/usr/bin/env python
  

• Make the script executable:

  chmod +x myfile.py
  

• Should be able to run the script by just typing it’s name e.g. myfile.py.

  Note: This doesn’t seem to work very well if you are using a virtual environment.