Wasn't there a nice set of instructions for visual studio somewhere?

Python Help
#1

I don’t want to contribute to cpython yet, just build modules. I thought I saw some instructions before but I can’t find them again.

#2

These days, you should just be able to install Visual Studio (select the C compiler, obviously…) and it will get picked up automatically. IIRC, the old instructions were for previous versions which were much trickier to set up.

If you still have problems, I suggest you describe what you’ve done and what went wrong, as that will help people advise you.

2 Likes
#3

Much appreciated. I’ll do as you suggest.

#4

For reference, vs2022 is really weird about this. I successfully created a new project once, but the second time I went to do it the search function didn’t find the option.

I know, an M$ product not behaving as expected. Positively shocking.

Thanks again
Joe

#5

On Windows, I now prefer to build Python with a command line: PCbuild\build.bat -e -d -p x64:

  • -e: install dependencies
  • -d: build in debug mode
  • -p x64: build for x86-64 arch (Intel 64 bits)

For me, it’s faster than having to load Visual Studio and use my mouse to click on “build” (and select the right options).

#6

That’s for building Python. For building extensions (which is what the OP asked about) setuptools should automatically detect a correctly-installed copy of Visual Studio with no further configuration needed.

#7

Oh. To build C extensions, you don’t need a whole Visual Studio, but just the Windows SDK to get a C compiler and Windows header files, no?

#9

Possibly, but that is fiddly to set up I think. It’s much easier to just install Visual Studio - the free version is fine.