Differences between revisions 1 and 66 (spanning 65 versions)

Contents

Which Microsoft Visual C++ compiler to use with a specific Python version ?
Distutils notes
Compilers Installation and configuration

Even though Python is an interpreted language, you may need to install Windows C++ compilers in some cases. Unlike Linux, compilers for Windows are not included by default in the OS.

For example, you will need to use them if you wish to:

Install a non-pure Python package from sources with Pip (if there is no Wheel package provided).
Compile a Cython or Pyrex file.

Microsoft provides official C++ compilers called Visual C++, you can find them bundled with Visual Studio or, for some versions, in standalone distributions. Some alternative compilers exist like MinGW, but incompatibilities may occur with a CPython official distribution that is built with Microsoft Visual C++.

The compiler's architecture must be the same as Python's (for example: if you use Python 64bit, you have to use an x64 compiler).

Which Microsoft Visual C++ compiler to use with a specific Python version ?

Each Python version uses a specific compiler version (e.g. CPython 2.7 uses Visual C++ 9.0, CPython 3.3 uses Visual C++ 10.0, etc). So, you need to install the compiler version that corresponds to your Python version :

Visual C++	CPython
14.0	3.5, 3.6
10.0	3.3, 3.4
9.0	2.6, 2.7, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2

Distutils notes

If the package's setup.py (still) uses distutils rather than the recommended setuptools, you may need extra steps:

distutils only supports the very minimum of compiler setups. The sections in this guide corresponding to them explicitly mention distutils.
For other setups, you need to run the compilation from the "SDK prompt" of the corresponding toolchain and set the DISTUTILS_USE_SDK environment variable to a non-empty value.

Compilers Installation and configuration

Compatible architectures are specified for each compiler in brackets.

$/!\$ Before do anything, install or upgrade the Setuptools Python package. It contain compatibility improvements and add automatic use of compilers:

pip install --upgrade setuptools

Microsoft Visual C++ 14.0 standalone: Build Tools for Visual Studio 2017 (x86, x64, ARM, ARM64)

This is a standalone version of Visual C++ 14.0 compiler, you don't need to install Visual Studio 2017.

Install Microsoft Build Tools for Visual Studio 2017.
The setuptools Python package version must be at least 34.4.0.

Microsoft Visual C++ 14.0 with Visual Studio 2017 (x86, x64, ARM, ARM64)

Visual Studio 2017 contains Visual C++ 14.0 compiler. The setuptools Python package version must be at least 34.4.0.

Microsoft Visual C++ 14.0 standalone: Visual C++ Build Tools 2015 (x86, x64, ARM)

This is a standalone version of Visual C++ 14.0 compiler, you don't need to install Visual Studio 2015.

Install Microsoft Visual C++ Build Tools 2015. Check Windows 8.1 SDK and Windows 10 SDK options.
The setuptools Python package version must be at least 24.0.

$/!\$ Visual C++ Build Tools 2015 was upgraded by Microsoft to Build Tools for Visual Studio 2017. See the previous paragraph to install it.

Microsoft Visual C++ 14.0 with Visual Studio 2015 (x86, x64, ARM)

Visual Studio 2015 contains Visual C++ 14.0 compiler. Distutils will automatically detect the compiler and use it.

Microsoft Visual C++ 10.0 standalone: Windows SDK 7.1 (x86, x64, ia64)

This is a standalone version of Visual C++ 10.0 compiler, you don't need to install Visual Studio 2010.

Uninstall Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable if present (all versions and architectures). If present, it can cause an error on Windows SDK 7.1 installation.
Install Microsoft .NET Framework 4 if not present.
Install Microsoft Windows SDK for Windows 7 and .NET Framework 4. Check Windows headers and libraries, Visual C++ Compilers and Windows Native Code Development\Tools options only.
Install Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Service Pack 1 Compiler Update for the Windows SDK 7.1. This updates the compiler to Visual C++ 10.0 SP1.
reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable (for all previously installed architectures).
The setuptools Python package version must be at least 24.0.

Microsoft Visual C++ 10.0 with Visual Studio 2010 (x86, x64, ia64)

Visual Studio 2010 contains Visual C++ 10.0 compiler. Distutils will automatically detect the compiler and use it. The Express edition of Visual Studio 2010 only bundles a compiler for x86.

Microsoft Visual C++ 9.0 standalone: Visual C++ Compiler for Python 2.7 (x86, x64)

This is a standalone version of Visual C++ 9.0 compiler, you don't need to install Visual Studio 2008.

Install Microsoft Visual C++ Compiler for Python 2.7.
The setuptools Python package version must be at least 6.0.

Even though this package's name refers to Python 2.7 specifically, you can use it with all Python versions that use Visual C++ 9.0.

This package always installs its start menu shortcuts for the installing user (i.e. an administrator) only. To get them for all users, run the installation like this: msiexec /i <full path to .msi> ALLUSERS=1.

Microsoft Visual C++ 9.0 standalone: Windows SDK 7.0 (x86, x64, ia64)

This is a standalone version of Visual C++ 9.0 compiler, you don't need to install Visual Studio 2008.

$/!\$ The use of Microsoft Visual C++ Compiler for Python 2.7 is recommended (If you don't need to compile for ia64). See the previous paragraph to install it.

Install Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 if not present.
Install Microsoft Windows SDK for Windows 7 and .NET Framework 3.5 SP1. Check Windows headers and libraries, Visual C++ Compilers and Win32 Developement Tools options only.
The setuptools Python package version must be at least 24.0.

Microsoft Visual C++ 9.0 standalone: Windows SDK 6.1 (x86, x64, ia64)

This is a standalone version of Visual C++ 9.0 compiler, you don't need to install Visual Studio 2008.

$/!\$ Windows SDK 6.1 was upgraded by Microsoft to Windows SDK 7.0. See the previous paragraph to install it.

Install Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 if not present.
Install Microsoft Windows SDK for Windows Server 2008 and .NET Framework 3.5. Check Windows headers and libraries, Visual C++ Compilers and Win32 Development Tools options only.
The setuptools Python package version must be at least 24.0.

Microsoft Visual C++ 9.0 with Visual Studio 2008 (x86, x64, ia64)

Visual Studio 2008 contains Visual C++ 9.0 compiler. Distutils will automatically detect the compiler and use it. The Express edition of Visual Studio 2008 only bundles a compiler for x86.

GCC - MinGW-w64 (x86, x64)

MinGW-w64 is an alternative C/C++ compiler that works with all Python versions up to 3.4.

Install Win-builds into C:\MinGW_w64.
Open Win-builds, switch to install at least binutils, gcc, gcc-g++, getext, mingw-w64, win-iconv, winpthreads, zlib, and click Process.
Add C:\MinGW_w64\bin to the PATH environment variable.
Create a distutils.cfg file with the following contents in the folder \Lib\distutils in Python install directory :

   1 [build]
   2 compiler=mingw32
   3 
   4 [build_ext]
   5 compiler=mingw32

GCC - MinGW (x86)

MinGW is an alternative C/C++ compiler that works with all Python versions up to 3.4.

Install Minimalist GNU For Windows into C:\MinGW.
Open MinGW Installation Manager, check mingw32-base and mingw32-gcc-g++, and Apply Changes in the Installation menu.
Add C:\MinGW\bin to the PATH environment variable.
Create a distutils.cfg file with the following contents in the folder \Lib\distutils in Python install directory :

   1 [build]
   2 compiler=mingw32
   3 
   4 [build_ext]
   5 compiler=mingw32

-  ⇤ ← Revision 1 as of 2015-11-10 16:26:53 → 
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  Comment: Page creation
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-'''THIS PAGE IS WORK IN PROGRESS'''
+<<TableOfContents()>>
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-Even if Python is an interpreted language, you may need to install Windows C++ compilers in some cases.
Unlike Linux, compilers for Windows are not included by default in the OS.
+Even though Python is an interpreted language, you may need to install Windows C++ compilers in some cases. Unlike Linux, compilers for Windows are not included by default in the OS.
-Line 6:
+Line 5:
-By example, you will need to use them if you want :
 * Install a non-pure Python package from sources with [[https://pip.pypa.io/|Pip]] (If there is no [[http://wheel.readthedocs.org|Wheel package]] provided).
 * Compile a [[http://cython.org/|Cython]] file.
+For example, you will need to use them if you wish to:
-Line 10:
+Line 7:
-Microsoft provide official C++ compilers called ''Visual C++'', you can find them with ''Visual Studio'' or, for some versions, in standalone distribution.
Some alternates compilers exists like [[http://mingw.org/|MinGW]], but the CPython implementation is compiled with Microsoft official compilers and compatibility may not be perfect.
+ * Install a non-pure Python package from sources with [[https://pip.pypa.io/|Pip]] (if there is no [[http://wheel.readthedocs.org|Wheel package]] provided).
 * Compile a [[http://cython.org/|Cython]] or [[https://pypi.python.org/pypi/Pyrex|Pyrex]] file.
-Line 13:
+Line 10:
-The compiler architecture must be the same as Python (Example: If you use Python 64bit, you have to use a 64bit compiler)
+Microsoft provides official C++ compilers called ''Visual C++'', you can find them bundled with ''Visual Studio'' or, for some versions, in standalone distributions. Some alternative compilers exist like [[http://mingw.org/|MinGW]], but incompatibilities may occur with a CPython official distribution that is built with Microsoft Visual C++.
-Line 15:
+Line 12:
-= Which Microsoft Visual C++ compiler use with a specified Python version ? =
Each Python version use a specific compiler version (Example : ''CPython 2.7'' use ''Visual C++ 9.0'', ''CPython 3.3'' use ''Visual C++ 10.0'', ...). So, you need to install the compiler version linked to you Python version  :
||'''Visual Studio'''||'''Visual C++'''||'''CPython'''||
||2015||14.0||3.5||
||2010||10.0||3.3, 3.4||
||2008||9.0||2.6, 2.7, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2||
+The compiler's architecture must be the same as Python's (for example: if you use Python 64bit, you have to use an x64 compiler).
-Line 22:
+Line 14:
+= Which Microsoft Visual C++ compiler to use with a specific Python version ? =
Each Python version uses a specific compiler version (e.g. ''CPython 2.7'' uses ''Visual C++ 9.0'', ''CPython 3.3'' uses ''Visual C++ 10.0'', etc). So, you need to install the compiler version that corresponds to your Python version  :
||'''Visual C++''' ||'''CPython''' ||
||14.0 ||3.5, 3.6 ||
||10.0 ||3.3, 3.4 ||
||9.0 ||2.6, 2.7, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2 ||
-Line 23:
+Line 21:
-= Compilers Installation =
+= Distutils notes =
If the package's ''setup.py'' (still) uses ''distutils'' rather than the [[https://docs.python.org/2/library/distutils.html|recommended]] ''setuptools'', you may need extra steps:
-Line 25:
+Line 24:
-== Microsoft Visual C++ 14.0/2015 standalone version: Visual C++ Build Tools 2015 (32bit, 64bit) ==
+ * ''distutils'' only supports the very minimum of compiler setups. The sections in this guide corresponding to them explicitly mention ''distutils''.
 * For other setups, you need to run the compilation from the "SDK prompt" of the corresponding toolchain and set the ''DISTUTILS_USE_SDK'' environment variable to a non-empty value.
 Line 27:
-'''Work in progress...'''
+= Compilers Installation and configuration =
Compatible architectures are specified for each compiler in brackets.
-Line 29:
+Line 30:
-This is the standalone version of ''Visual C++ 14.0'' compiler, you don't need to install ''Visual Studio 2015''.
+/!\ Before do anything, install or upgrade the ''Setuptools'' Python package. It contain compatibility improvements and add automatic use of compilers:
-Line 31:
+Line 32:
- * [[https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49512|Microsoft Visual C++ Build Tools 2015]]
 * [[https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=48145|Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015]]

== Microsoft Visual C++ 10.0/2010 standalone version: Windows SDK 7.1 (32bit, 64bit) ==

This is the standalone version of ''Visual C++ 10.0'' compiler, you don't need to install ''Visual Studio 2010''.

 * Uninstall ''Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistribuable'' if present (in x86 (32bits) and x64 version). If present, it can cause error on Windows SDK 7.1 installation.
 * Install ''[[https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/download/details.aspx?id=17851|Microsoft .NET Framework 4]]'' if not present.
 * Install ''[[https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=8279|Microsoft Windows SDK for Windows 7 and .NET Framework 4]]''. Only ''Windows headers and libraries'' and ''Visual C++ Compilers'' options are needed, you can uncheck all others.
 * Make a back up and edit the following file: ''C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio 10.0\VC\vcvarsall.bat'' and replace its content with (Replace ''/x86'' by ''/x64'' if you want compile for Python 64bits):
-Line 43:
+Line 33:
- CALL "C:\Program Files\Microsoft SDKs\Windows\v7.1\Bin\SetEnv.cmd" /x86 /release
 set DISTUTILS_USE_SDK=1
 set MSSdk=1
}}}
 * Install ''[[https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=26999|Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistribuable]]'' (32bit and/or 64bit).

== Microsoft Visual C++ 9.0/2008 standalone version: Visual C++ Compiler for Python 2.7 (32bit, 64bit) ==

This is the standalone version of ''Visual C++ 9.0'' compiler, you don't need to install ''Visual Studio 2008''.

Note: Even if this compiler specify Python 2.7, you can use it with all Python version Using ''Visual C++ 9.0''.

 * Install ''[[https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=26368|Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistribuable]]'' (32bit and/or 64bit).
 * Install ''[[https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=44266|Microsoft Visual C++ Compiler for Python 2.7]]''.

== MinGW (32Bit only) ==
MinGW is an alternate compiler that work with all Python versions. Some incompatibilities may occur with CPython official distribution which is build with Microsoft Visual C++.
 * Install ''[[http://sourceforge.net/projects/mingw/files/|Minimalist GNU For Windows]]'' in ''C:\MinGW''.
 * Open M''inGW Installation Manager'', check ''mingw32-base'' and ''mingw32-gcc-g++'', and ''Apply Changes'' in the ''Installation'' menu.
 * Add ''C:\MinGW\bin'' to ''PATH'' environment variable (With ";" before is PATH is not empty).
 * Create a ''distutils.cfg'' file with the following content in the folder ''\Lib\distutils'' in Python install directory :
{{{
 [build]
 compiler=mingw32
 
 [build_ext]
 compiler=mingw32
+pip install --upgrade setuptools
-Line 72:
+Line 36:
-= Links =
 *[[https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2977003|Microsoft : The latest supported Visual C++ downloads]] : List of up to date ''Visual C++ Redistribuable'' and ''Visual Studio'' packages.
+== Microsoft Visual C++ 14.0 standalone: Build Tools for Visual Studio 2017 (x86, x64, ARM, ARM64) ==
This is a standalone version of ''Visual C++ 14.0'' compiler, you don't need to install ''Visual Studio 2017''.

 * Install ''[[https://www.visualstudio.com/downloads/#build-tools-for-visual-studio-2017|Microsoft Build Tools for Visual Studio 2017]]''.
 * The ''setuptools'' Python package version must be at least 34.4.0.

== Microsoft Visual C++ 14.0 with Visual Studio 2017 (x86, x64, ARM, ARM64) ==
''Visual Studio 2017'' contains ''Visual C++ 14.0'' compiler. The ''setuptools'' Python package version must be at least 34.4.0.

== Microsoft Visual C++ 14.0 standalone: Visual C++ Build Tools 2015 (x86, x64, ARM) ==
This is a standalone version of ''Visual C++ 14.0'' compiler, you don't need to install ''Visual Studio 2015''.

 * Install ''[[http://landinghub.visualstudio.com/visual-cpp-build-tools|Microsoft Visual C++ Build Tools 2015]]''. Check ''Windows 8.1 SDK'' and ''Windows 10 SDK'' options.
 * The ''setuptools'' Python package version must be at least 24.0.

/!\ Visual C++ Build Tools 2015 was upgraded by Microsoft to Build Tools for Visual Studio 2017. See the previous paragraph to install it.

== Microsoft Visual C++ 14.0 with Visual Studio 2015 (x86, x64, ARM) ==
''Visual Studio 2015'' contains ''Visual C++ 14.0'' compiler. ''Distutils'' will automatically detect the compiler and use it.

== Microsoft Visual C++ 10.0 standalone: Windows SDK 7.1 (x86, x64, ia64) ==
This is a standalone version of ''Visual C++ 10.0'' compiler, you don't need to install ''Visual Studio 2010''.

 * Uninstall ''Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable'' if present (all versions and architectures). If present, it can cause an error on Windows SDK 7.1 installation.
 * Install ''[[https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=24872|Microsoft .NET Framework 4]]'' if not present.
 * Install ''[[https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=8279|Microsoft Windows SDK for Windows 7 and .NET Framework 4]]''. Check ''Windows headers and libraries'', ''Visual C++ Compilers'' and ''Windows Native Code Development\Tools'' options only.
 * Install ''[[https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=4422|Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Service Pack 1 Compiler Update for the Windows SDK 7.1]]''. This updates the compiler to Visual C++ 10.0 SP1.
 * reinstall ''[[https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=26999|Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable]]'' (for all previously installed architectures).
 * The ''setuptools'' Python package version must be at least 24.0.

== Microsoft Visual C++ 10.0 with Visual Studio 2010 (x86, x64, ia64) ==
''Visual Studio 2010'' contains ''Visual C++ 10.0'' compiler. ''Distutils'' will automatically detect the compiler and use it. The ''Express'' edition of ''Visual Studio 2010'' only bundles a compiler for x86.

== Microsoft Visual C++ 9.0 standalone: Visual C++ Compiler for Python 2.7 (x86, x64) ==
This is a standalone version of ''Visual C++ 9.0'' compiler, you don't need to install ''Visual Studio 2008''.

 * Install ''[[https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=44266|Microsoft Visual C++ Compiler for Python 2.7]]''.
 * The ''setuptools'' Python package version must be at least 6.0.

{i} Even though this package's name refers to Python 2.7 specifically, you can use it with all Python versions that use ''Visual C++ 9.0''.

{i} This package always installs its start menu shortcuts for the installing user (i.e. an administrator) only. To get them for all users, run the installation like this: ''msiexec /i <full path to .msi> ALLUSERS=1''.

== Microsoft Visual C++ 9.0 standalone: Windows SDK 7.0 (x86, x64, ia64) ==
This is a standalone version of ''Visual C++ 9.0'' compiler, you don't need to install ''Visual Studio 2008''.

/!\ The use of ''Microsoft Visual C++ Compiler for Python 2.7'' is recommended (If you don't need to compile for ia64). See the previous paragraph to install it.

 * Install ''[[https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=25150|Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1]]'' if not present.
 * Install ''[[https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=3138|Microsoft Windows SDK for Windows 7 and .NET Framework 3.5 SP1]]''. Check ''Windows headers and libraries'', ''Visual C++ Compilers'' and ''Win32 Developement Tools'' options only.
 * The ''setuptools'' Python package version must be at least 24.0.

== Microsoft Visual C++ 9.0 standalone: Windows SDK 6.1 (x86, x64, ia64) ==
This is a standalone version of ''Visual C++ 9.0'' compiler, you don't need to install ''Visual Studio 2008''.

/!\ Windows SDK 6.1 was upgraded by Microsoft to Windows SDK 7.0. See the previous paragraph to install it.

 * Install ''[[https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=25150|Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1]]'' if not present.
 * Install ''[[https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=11310|Microsoft Windows SDK for Windows Server 2008 and .NET Framework 3.5]]''. Check ''Windows headers and libraries'', ''Visual C++ Compilers'' and ''Win32 Development Tools'' options only.
 * The ''setuptools'' Python package version must be at least 24.0.

== Microsoft Visual C++ 9.0 with Visual Studio 2008 (x86, x64, ia64) ==
''Visual Studio 2008'' contains ''Visual C++ 9.0'' compiler. ''Distutils'' will automatically detect the compiler and use it. The ''Express'' edition of ''Visual Studio 2008'' only bundles a compiler for x86.

== GCC - MinGW-w64 (x86, x64) ==

[[http://mingw-w64.org|MinGW-w64]] is an alternative C/C++ compiler that works with all Python versions up to 3.4.

 * Install ''[[http://win-builds.org/doku.php/download_and_installation_from_windows|Win-builds]]'' into ''C:\MinGW_w64''.
 * Open ''Win-builds'', switch to ''install'' at least ''binutils'', ''gcc'', ''gcc-g++'', ''getext'', ''mingw-w64'', ''win-iconv'', ''winpthreads'', ''zlib'', and click ''Process''.
 * Add ''C:\MinGW_w64\bin'' to the ''PATH'' environment variable.
 * Create a ''distutils.cfg'' file with the following contents in the folder ''\Lib\distutils'' in Python install directory :

{{{#!highlight ini
[build]
compiler=mingw32

[build_ext]
compiler=mingw32
}}}

== GCC - MinGW (x86) ==

[[http://www.mingw.org/|MinGW]] is an alternative C/C++ compiler that works with all Python versions up to 3.4.

 * Install ''[[http://sourceforge.net/projects/mingw/files/|Minimalist GNU For Windows]]'' into ''C:\MinGW''.
 * Open ''MinGW Installation Manager'', check ''mingw32-base'' and ''mingw32-gcc-g++'', and ''Apply Changes'' in the ''Installation'' menu.
 * Add ''C:\MinGW\bin'' to the ''PATH'' environment variable.
 * Create a ''distutils.cfg'' file with the following contents in the folder ''\Lib\distutils'' in Python install directory :

{{{#!highlight ini
[build]
compiler=mingw32

[build_ext]
compiler=mingw32
}}}

Page

User

Which Microsoft Visual C++ compiler to use with a specific Python version ?

Distutils notes

Compilers Installation and configuration

Microsoft Visual C++ 14.0 standalone: Build Tools for Visual Studio 2017 (x86, x64, ARM, ARM64)

Microsoft Visual C++ 14.0 with Visual Studio 2017 (x86, x64, ARM, ARM64)

Microsoft Visual C++ 14.0 standalone: Visual C++ Build Tools 2015 (x86, x64, ARM)

Microsoft Visual C++ 14.0 with Visual Studio 2015 (x86, x64, ARM)

Microsoft Visual C++ 10.0 standalone: Windows SDK 7.1 (x86, x64, ia64)

Microsoft Visual C++ 10.0 with Visual Studio 2010 (x86, x64, ia64)

Microsoft Visual C++ 9.0 standalone: Visual C++ Compiler for Python 2.7 (x86, x64)

Microsoft Visual C++ 9.0 standalone: Windows SDK 7.0 (x86, x64, ia64)

Microsoft Visual C++ 9.0 standalone: Windows SDK 6.1 (x86, x64, ia64)

Microsoft Visual C++ 9.0 with Visual Studio 2008 (x86, x64, ia64)

GCC - MinGW-w64 (x86, x64)

GCC - MinGW (x86)