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chiggsy
Asked: 2009-09-12 10:45:47 +0800 CST

debian python2.6 as default?

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is it possible to set the default python to 2.6 for debian lenny somehow?

debian

2 Answers

  1. 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 python2.6 python /usr/bin/python2.6 2

      sudo update-alternatives --install python2.5 python /usr/bin/python2.5 1

    • 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

    • 5
  2. Best Answer

    I'd just like to comment on Dennis Williamson's answer:

    Using the command line provided for the "install" commands results in this error:

    update-alternatives: error: alternative link is not absolute as it should be:
                            python2.5

    it looks like the syntax to create the alternative would rather be:

    sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/python python /usr/bin/python2.5 1

    Ie, the first parameter needs to be an absolute path, not just a name.

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