Python 3.8 Installs Fine But Has Build Issues

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Python 3.8 Installs Fine but Has Build Issues: A CI Conundrum

Python 3.8, although a relatively old version, still has its users. However, when it comes to building packages from source, it can be a different story. In this article, we will delve into the issue of Python 3.8 installing fine but having build issues, specifically with the pydot package. We will explore the possible reasons behind this problem and discuss potential solutions for the Continuous Integration (CI) pipeline.

The issue at hand is that Python 3.8 installs pydot without any issues, but building it from source fails. This problem was encountered during the development of pydot, and the commit 8fc4016640fc4d0fa50f701d57694428184c1d3c highlights the issue. The developer, @ferdnyc, fixed the deprecation warnings, but this change broke the manual installation for Python 3.8.

Tox, a popular testing tool for Python, was used to test the installation of pydot on Python 3.8. The test succeeded, but the CI pipeline, which runs on Python 3.8, failed. This discrepancy led to the realization that the issue might not be with the pydot package itself but with the fact that the CI pipeline is running on Python 3.8. The CI pipeline uses tox, which is also on Python 3.8, which might be the difference that makes the current CI fail.

Python 3.8 is deprecated and will reach its End-of-Life (EOL) in February 2026. Given its relatively low usage, as evident from the PyPI statistics, it's natural to wonder if we should care about supporting it. However, it's essential to consider the users who might still be using Python 3.8 to build pydot from source.

There are a few possible solutions to this problem:

  1. Go Back to Deprecated Methods: As Python 3.8 is deprecated, we can consider going back to the deprecated methods used in the past. This might be a viable solution, given the time we have until February 2026 to make the necessary changes.
  2. Update CI Pipeline: We can update the CI pipeline to use a different version of Python, such as Python 3.9 or 3.10, which are more modern and widely used. This would ensure that the CI pipeline runs smoothly and doesn't fail due to the issues with Python 3.8.
  3. Support Multiple Python Versions: We can modify the CI pipeline to support multiple Python versions, including Python 3.8. This would allow us to test and build pydot on different versions of Python, ensuring that it works seamlessly across various environments.

The issue of Python 3.8 installing fine but having build issues is a complex problem that requires careful consideration. By understanding the possible reasons behind this problem and exploring potential solutions, we can ensure that pydot works smoothly across various versions of Python. Whether we choose to go back to deprecated methods, update the CI pipeline, or support multiple Python versions, the key is to provide a seamless experience for users, regardless of the Python version they use.

Based on the analysis, we recommend the following:

  • Update CI Pipeline: Update the CI pipeline to use a more modern version of Python, such as Python 3.9 or 3.10.
  • Support Multiple Python Versions: Modify the CI pipeline to support multiple Python versions, including Python 3.8.
  • Monitor Usage: Continuously monitor the usage of Python 3.8 and adjust the CI pipeline accordingly.

By following these recommendations, we can ensure that pydot works seamlessly across various versions of Python, providing a better experience for users.
Python 3.8 Installs Fine but Has Build Issues: A CI Conundrum - Q&A

In our previous article, we explored the issue of Python 3.8 installing fine but having build issues with the pydot package. We discussed the possible reasons behind this problem and potential solutions for the Continuous Integration (CI) pipeline. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions related to this issue.

Q: What is the main issue with Python 3.8 and pydot?

A: The main issue is that Python 3.8 installs pydot without any issues, but building it from source fails.

Q: Why did the deprecation warnings fix break the manual installation for Python 3.8?

A: The deprecation warnings fix broke the manual installation for Python 3.8 because it changed the way pydot is built from source.

Q: Why is the CI pipeline failing on Python 3.8?

A: The CI pipeline is failing on Python 3.8 because it is running on Python 3.8, which is causing the issue. The CI pipeline uses tox, which is also on Python 3.8, which might be the difference that makes the current CI fail.

Q: Should we care about supporting Python 3.8?

A: It's essential to consider the users who might still be using Python 3.8 to build pydot from source. Although Python 3.8 is deprecated and will reach its End-of-Life (EOL) in February 2026, we should still provide support for users who need it.

Q: What are the possible solutions to this problem?

A: There are a few possible solutions to this problem:

  1. Go Back to Deprecated Methods: We can consider going back to the deprecated methods used in the past.
  2. Update CI Pipeline: We can update the CI pipeline to use a different version of Python, such as Python 3.9 or 3.10.
  3. Support Multiple Python Versions: We can modify the CI pipeline to support multiple Python versions, including Python 3.8.

Q: What is the best approach to solve this issue?

A: The best approach is to update the CI pipeline to use a more modern version of Python, such as Python 3.9 or 3.10. This will ensure that the CI pipeline runs smoothly and doesn't fail due to the issues with Python 3.8.

Q: How can we ensure that pydot works seamlessly across various versions of Python?

A: We can ensure that pydot works seamlessly across various versions of Python by:

  • Updating the CI pipeline: Update the CI pipeline to use a more modern version of Python.
  • Supporting multiple Python versions: Modify the CI pipeline to support multiple Python versions, including Python 3.8.
  • Monitoring usage: Continuously monitor the usage of Python 3.8 and adjust the CI pipeline accordingly.

The issue of Python 3.8 installing fine but having build issues is a complex problem that requires careful consideration. By understanding the possible reasons behind this problem and exploring potential solutions, we can ensure that pydot works smoothly across versions of Python. Whether we choose to go back to deprecated methods, update the CI pipeline, or support multiple Python versions, the key is to provide a seamless experience for users, regardless of the Python version they use.

Based on the analysis, we recommend the following:

  • Update CI Pipeline: Update the CI pipeline to use a more modern version of Python, such as Python 3.9 or 3.10.
  • Support Multiple Python Versions: Modify the CI pipeline to support multiple Python versions, including Python 3.8.
  • Monitor Usage: Continuously monitor the usage of Python 3.8 and adjust the CI pipeline accordingly.

By following these recommendations, we can ensure that pydot works seamlessly across various versions of Python, providing a better experience for users.