debian python2.6 as default?

Question

is it possible to set the default python to 2.6 for debian lenny somehow?

Answer 1

I'd just like to comment on Dennis Williamson's answer:

Using the command line provided for the "install" commands results in this error:

update-alternatives: error: alternative link is not absolute as it should be:
                            python2.5

it looks like the syntax to create the alternative would rather be:

sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/python python /usr/bin/python2.5 1

Ie, the first parameter needs to be an absolute path, not just a name.

Answer 2

If alternatives are already set up:

update-alternatives --config python

then choose from the list that's presented.

If they're not set up, then do this:

• If there is a symlink already set up, save it:

  sudo mv /usr/bin/python /usr/bin/pythonSAVE

• create the alternatives

  sudo update-alternatives --install python2.6 python /usr/bin/python2.6 2

  sudo update-alternatives --install python2.5 python /usr/bin/python2.5 1

• create a new symlink

  sudo ln -s /etc/alternatives/python /usr/bin/python

• choose the one you want to use

  sudo update-alternatives --config python