How Can I Manage Multiple Python Versions (e.g., 2.5 and 2.6) on Windows?

Managing Multiple Python Versions on Windows

Question:

You have two Python versions (2.5 and 2.6) installed on Windows and want to selectively use them for different projects. How can you specify which version to run?

Answer:

Explicit Invocation

To run a specific Python version, explicitly invoke its executable. Instead of typing python in the command line, use the full executable path. For example:

C:\python.5\python.exe
C:\python.6\python.exe

Environment Variable Manipulation

Windows examines environment variables to locate executables. You can manipulate the %PATH% variable to control which Python executable is prioritized.

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Go to "System and Security" > "System."
3. Click on "Advanced system settings."
4. Under the "Advanced" tab, click on "Environment Variables."
5. Edit the %PATH% variable to include the directories of both Python versions in the following order:

%PATH%;C:\python.5;C:\python.6

Now, when you type python in the command line, the 2.5 executable will be used first. You can also create shortcuts on your desktop or Start menu that point to the specific Python executables.

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