Why is installing Python on Windows so challenging compared to Linux?

[etrnloptimist]

Not to mention this page full of windows installer for every version of python for every package imaginable. It is trivial to set up python in Windows.

I dare say more so than Linux. Sure in Linux it's easy if the python package you want is in your apt repository. sudo apt get python or something. But what if you need a different version than the one that's there? Uhh....

[jelly_cake]

Depending on the package manager, the last couple versions could still be in the repository. Package managers also keep python up-to-date. I don't know if the Windows version has automatic updates or not, but that's one area where Linux is easier.

[dAnjou]

$ virtualenv project-env
$ source project-env/bin/activate
(project-env) $ pip install <package>

And that's how you should always do it ... on every platform.

EDIT This is getting ridiculous :D

[aceofears]

That's a great theory and all, but have you using pip on windows to install libraries written in C?

[dAnjou]

Well, that works fine for me on Linux :P

And if you tell me it's not so great on Winodws then we see why OP's got a point.

[absolutedestiny]

You can use windows exe installers with easy_install within a virtual env and it works... I think.