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Hi folks,

Enjoying the process of picking up Python, but have come to an
unexpected grinding halt.

I am using the latest ActivePython release on Win2k. When I try to run

python setup.py install

on a disutil package, I get the error:

"Python was built with version 6 of Visual Studio, and extensions need
to be built with the same version of the compiler, but it isn't
installed."

Assuming this is correct, I find it mind-boggling that Active State
have chosen to use an expensive and discontinued commercial compiler!

I am aware that MS have released a free version of the latest Visual
Studio 7 compiler. I have installed this but disutils doesn't
recognise it. I can't find a free release of the MVC++ compiler: does
such a thing exist?

I assumed this would be a FAQ but can't find much in the archives. My
knowledge of C compiling is close to zero, so I am stuck. Any
advice would be much appreciated: this is a show-stopper.

------------------
Geoff Caplan
Vario Software Ltd
(+44) 121-515 1154

Hi !

Look the message "Building Python 2.4 extensions with the Microsoft Toolkit
Compiler" from 17 jul 2004

It's interesting...

Michel,

MCamgntefp> Look the message "Building Python 2.4 extensions with the Microsoft Toolkit
MCamgntefp> Compiler" from 17 jul 2004

Thanks for the link, but I don't think it's a viable solution for me.

First, it seems to be aimed at the official Alpha release of 2.4 which
is compiled with the MVC++ 7. I need to get something working with the
stable Active State distro, which is compiled with MVC++ 6.

Also, Mike says it's aimed at experienced extension developers with
experience of C compilers, and that "It is not really targeted at
end-users." He also says: "Note that this document represents the
findings of a very limited set of tests with what is essentially an
unsupported approach to building extensions. You should expect to
find bugs. No warranty is made that the approach outlined is safe or
appropriate."

I think that this approach would be well beyond my level of
competence!

What is the best way for an end-user with minimal C skills to get
extensions working on Windows? I would abandon the Active State distro
if I had to, but only reluctantly, as in other respects it seems very
convenient.

------------------
Geoff Caplan
Vario Software Ltd
(+44) 121-515 1154

Geoff Caplan:

> I am aware that MS have released a free version of the latest Visual
> Studio 7 compiler. I have installed this but disutils doesn't
> recognise it. I can't find a free release of the MVC++ compiler: does
> such a thing exist?

You could try to use mingw:
http://sebsauvage.net/python/mingw.html

Neil