Question: Is using 'python.exe' still portable? #893

LeonT-A · 2020-10-19T01:31:38Z

Hello, as someone who runs most of their apps portable, I'm excited to find a portable version of python that I can carry with me. It's going to allow me to use my scripts everywhere I go, without having to compile them before-hand. I do have one question though...

From a normal cmd prompt, is it safe to pass my scripts to `WPy64-3850\python-3.8.5.amd64\python.exe`, or must I use `WPy64-3850\WinPython Interpreter.exe` in order to get all the portable features?

I don't want to leave anything behind on the host, however if you pass a .py file to WinPython Interpreter.exe, a terminal window will remain open after the script is run, which quickly adds up.

I know that with the PortableApps platform, not using the correct .exe will effectively void the portable traits of the app. The portable .exe adds various environment variables and configurations so that the underlying program becomes portable. I'm curious if it's the same case here.

Version: Winpython64-3.8.5.0dot.exe

The text was updated successfully, but these errors were encountered:

LeonT-A · 2020-10-19T18:24:50Z

I noticed that WinPython Interpreter.exe calls winpython.bat before launching python.exe.

I appended an extra line to the .bat with exit and it gives me the desired results, no terminal left open after exiting python. That said, the original question still stands.

stonebig · 2020-10-31T19:12:00Z

hi @LeonT-A,

WinPython is:

less portable than the Python-3.4 days when it could carry even its own compiler mingwpy https://github.com/winpython/winpython/blob/master/changelogs/WinPython-3.4.3.7.md
less portable since Python-3.8 normalization makes your settings go in your %USERPROFILE% instead of %HOME%

Yet nowodays:

you can install the free VisualStudio yourself, if you need to compile cython programs,
you can play with environment variables in %HOME%\winpython.ini to make it more portable.

firai mentioned this issue Apr 4, 2022

How to exit WinPython Interpreter.exe from cli #1064

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stonebig added the Procedure Procedure label May 10, 2025

stonebig closed this as completed May 10, 2025

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Question: Is using 'python.exe' still portable? #893

Question: Is using 'python.exe' still portable? #893

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Question: Is using 'python.exe' still portable? #893

Uh oh!

From a normal cmd prompt, is it safe to pass my scripts to WPy64-3850\python-3.8.5.amd64\python.exe, or must I use WPy64-3850\WinPython Interpreter.exe in order to get all the portable features?

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

From a normal cmd prompt, is it safe to pass my scripts to `WPy64-3850\python-3.8.5.amd64\python.exe`, or must I use `WPy64-3850\WinPython Interpreter.exe` in order to get all the portable features?