New submission from Terry J. Reedy <[email protected]>:
Some beginners on Windows think that python-3.8.3-amd64.exe, for instance, is
for running python-3.8.3, leading to repeated and now tiresome questions on
python-list and probably elsewhere. The latest example is "repair modify
uninstall" with the core complaint that "after downloading and trying to launch
it keeps saying repair modify uninstall". (Actually, 'modify' comes first.)
In response, Grant Edwards suggested adding run instructions to the initial
screen and asked a "Is the file name not clear that it's an installer?"
For the naive, the answer, as is traditional, is 'no'. How about adding 'setup'
or 'install', as I have seen occasionally.
python-3.8.3-amd64-setup.exe
The initial screen is different according to whether an installed binary is
absent or present. For the latter, add something like
Python 3.8.3 {n} bit is installed for {who}.
To run it, {directions}
To change it, click one of the buttons below.
An optional add-on would be a button to open the doc page on using python on
Windows.
(I an not suggesting a button to actually run python.exe from the installer.
Users should really learn how to start it properly according to platform and
python-specific conventions and their particular needs.)
Does the final screen after installation say anything about running the new
install? (I cannot remember.)
Ned: I don't think that this issue afficts Mac newbies. Perhaps python-xyz.pkg
is more clearly not for running. But something you might watch for.
----------
components: Windows
messages: 371263
nosy: ned.deily, paul.moore, steve.dower, terry.reedy, tim.golden, zach.ware
priority: normal
severity: normal
stage: needs patch
status: open
title: Better identify Windows installer as installer only, not runner
versions: Python 3.10, Python 3.8, Python 3.9
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Python tracker <[email protected]>
<https://bugs.python.org/issue40948>
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