Re: Python binaries for mozilla

Mark Hammond wrote:
> I've been thinking about and playing with ways to create a Python XPI for
> Mozilla.  As I've mentioned before, this XPI needs to bundle Python itself
> along with the 'pyxpcom' and new 'nsdom' packages.  We don't want to rely on
> a pre-installed Python (that places too much burden on the end user and too
> much scope for error), but at the same time we want to co-exist with any
> installed Pythons.
>
> Here are my thoughts - I welcome all feedback, particularly from the
> ActiveState guys who already have some experience in this area.  For the
> sake of this discussion, let's assume Python 2.4 (although I'm leaning
> towards jumping straight to 2.5 once officially released.)  Also, let's
> assume Windows (other OS' will be very similar)

Spoken like a windows developer ;)

Actually, OS X is quite different, but we've solved those issues 
already.  This mostly has to do with Python being a framework on OSX, 
and how frameworks have to be bundled in application bundles.  So for 
directory locations, you'll find it to be extremely different than on 
windows/linux.

> The XPI installs:

I think we should write up the locations of stuff as it is in Komodo. 
We've gotten to our layout through a lot of painful experience and 
thought (yes, also painful).  I don't think you're far off from what we 
have though.

> Issues:
>
> * On non-windows platforms, will there be a need to "patch" our .so files to
> remove the reference to /usr/local, or whatever was used when pyxpcom was
> actually build?  I seem to recall Shane mentioning something about that.
> Any other non-windows issues I remain oblivious to?

Trent is the expert on the relocation stuff, but yes, OSX and unix 
platforms will need binary relocation done.

> * By default, the PYTHONPATH is not correct - specifically 'python24/DLLs'
> etc are not on it.  If you set PYTHONHOME manually to
> "c:\path\to\mozilla\bin\python24", it works correctly.  I think the pyxpcom
> loader should be modified to check if 'bin/python24' exists, and set
> PYTHONHOME accordingly.  The directory will not exist for people who build
> moz and python from source, so should continue to work as now.  Thoughts or
> objections?

Yet another place Trent should comment :)

> * Firefox needs to be restarted after installation so the new components are
> registered.  I haven't worked out how to do that.

You dont.  When a XPI is installed, the user gets a message that the 
extension is not available until they restart.

Shane