Python & Windows: Where is the python launcher?

Question

I\'m trying to use different versions of python on win7, and I was told that I can use the python laucher.

I find the docs fo

Answer 1

I first tried everything Alexander Huszagh has written. But none of it helped.

It took me a really long time to find the Python Launcher. I had accidentally changed how to open .py-files. And once you change it, you can't do right mouse click "Edit with IDLE" anymore. I eventually found them in the C:\Windows\ directory named py.exe.

Answer 2

If installing python from python.org's downloads and you select "[x] install pylauncher [x] install for all users", py.exe is installed in C:\Windows\py.exe.

I think if you don't install for all users, then it's in the python install root.

If you are able to run py from cmd.exe, then you can find out where it is with where py.exe.

Answer 3

It should be in the root directory of Python 3.3 installs and higher. It is not available for Python2.

Go to C:\PythonXX\ and you should find py.exe for your version.

In Command Prompt or your favorite shell (like Cygwin), run:

py -3.3 -m path/to/myscript.py

However, this only works if you have a 3.3 or higher installed.

EDIT: Anaconda does not come with Python launcher. It is only available for an ActiveState, standard, or probably many other installs.

EDIT2: Here are two brand-new, Python 3.4 installs of ActiveState Python and Anaconda Python, screenshotted. Notice how Anaconda Python does not include py.exe and a lot of other (non-essential) executables?

EDIT3: After some "difficult" testing, just set anaconda as your default install for Python3.4 and grab the py.exe from another install. That is all. So you can install Python3.4 from another source, uninstall it, and save the py.exe, make sure it is in the system path, and the python launcher is fully installed.

EDIT4: Actually there's also a standalone installer available here: https://bitbucket.org/vinay.sajip/pylauncher/downloads

Answer 4

It looks like the python executable is part of the conda command if you're using Anaconda, according to their website. According to Alexander Huszagh (see his answer), the python launcher doesn't come with Anaconda python.

Here is a blog post that is perhaps relevant.

Answer 5

The experts gave a reply which seems relevant to one version of python but not the latest version. e.g. In my least favorite command line tool I entered:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Python36-32>dir py.exe /s

It replied: File Not Found