[Info-vax] Python on VMS

[Arne Vajhøj]

On 1/16/2019 10:06 AM, Dave Froble wrote:
> On 1/16/2019 8:34 AM, Arne Vajhøj wrote:
>> On 1/16/2019 7:55 AM, Neil Rieck wrote:
>>> Comment-1: I have been installing run-time libraries into VAX, Alpha
>>> and Itanium for 31-years and have never experienced any breakage with
>>> compiled programs. Many of these systems just continue to run
>>> forever. Systems requiring a specific version of Python are just one
>>> careless upgrade away from failure.
>>
>> There is nothing unusual in that new code does not run in old
>> environment - that is standard.
> 
> Ya know Arne, I don't know where your concept of "standard" comes from, 
> but perhaps it should go back there, and stay there.

It probably comes from VMS.

:-)

You would not expect something linked on VMS version X to run on
VMS version X-D.

VMS shareable images has an often used construct for that.

Other platforms has similar features.

It is pretty standard.

>> But most like when old code continue to run in new environments.

We expect something linked on VMS version X to run on
VMS version version X+D (unless it is linked with various
internal OS locations).

>> Apparently "most" does not include the Python guys.
> 
> Perhaps some of the developers aren't tasked with actually maintaining 
> apps and keeping them running?  If all they think of is "today's new 
> idea" and break what was running yesterday, then I have to ask, what 
> good are they?  In my opinion, not very.  But then, what do they care? 
> They are doing their thing.

They make their choices and priorities.

>>> Comment-2: Python is "very powerful" with interfaces into almost
>>> everything including MySQL and MariaDB
>>> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Python_(programming_language)
>>
>> That is not unique for Python.
>>
>> But Python is let me call it "convenient" or "practical" - if
>> one needs to get something done then it is usually very easy
>> in Python.
> 
> But, can you also do it again tomorrow?

If you saved your Python script and nobody upgraded
Python over night: yes.

Arne