Meta-packages ‘python-all’ and ‘python3-all’ (was: Cross-compiling a package that build-depends on Python)

[Ben Finney <bignose@debian.org>]

Łukasz Walewski <ljw@icm.edu.pl> writes:

> BTW what is this python-all good for?

This expresses “whatever versions of Python 2 are currently supported in
the distribution”.

Similarly, ‘python3-all’ says the equivalent about Python 3 versions.

It is only contingent that, today, ‘python-all’ installs only Python 2.7
and ‘python3-all’ installs only Python 3.6. At other times, either of
those packages might install multiple versions.

It's true that, by current PSF policy, there will never be a Python 2.8.
Nevertheless, ‘python-all’ in the past (and ‘python3-all’ today)
expresses the meaning explained above.

See the Debian Python Policy for more; in particular,
<URL:https://www.debian.org/doc/packaging-manuals/python-policy/build_dependencies.html>.

-- 
 \           “I have one rule to live by: Don't make it worse.” —Hazel |
  `\                                                          Woodcock |
_o__)                                                                  |
Ben Finney