Python

Read the latest updates about all things Python at Microsoft

Using CPython’s Embeddable Zip File

On the download page for CPython 3.5.1, you'll see a wide range of options. Not all of these are well explained, especially for Windows users who have seven (seven!) choices. (image) Let me restructure the Windows items into a more feature-focused table: As is fairly common with installers these days, you have the choice to download ...

Idiomatic Python: boolean expressions

You might think that boolean expressions -- most frequently used as conditional guards which are the the bit of code that tests whether an or statement should execute -- are a fairly straight-forward concept and that there isn't really anything subtle to them at all. And while the general concept is simple, there are some idiomatic practices...

How to deal with the pain of “unable to find vcvarsall.bat”

Python's packaging ecosystem is one of its biggest strengths, but Windows users are often frustrated by packages that do not install properly. One of the most common errors you'll see is this one: (image) As far as errors go, "unable to find vcvarsall.bat" is not the most helpful. What is this mythical batch file? Why do I need it? Where ...