I am using Python 2.7.2 on a Windows 7 machine, and I have been setting the PATH
variable in the command prompt each time that I want access to Python. Today, I noticed that the behavior changes if I append the directory to the front of the back of the PATH
variable.
On opening a command prompt, it recognizes neither python
or python.exe
:
Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601]
Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
C:\Users\z1083743>python
The system cannot find the path specified.
C:\Users\z1083743>python.exe
'python.exe' is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program or batch file.
When I add the python binary directory onto the back of the path, it recognizes one but not the other:
C:\Users\z1083743>set PATH=%PATH%;C:\FUEL\std-1.4.10.1\Windows-x64-vs10.0\python-2.7.2\bin
C:\Users\z1083743>python
The system cannot find the path specified.
C:\Users\z1083743>python.exe
Python 2.7.2 (default, Jun 12 2011, 14:24:46) [MSC v.1500 64 bit (AMD64)] on win32
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>> ^Z
If I add the Python binary directory on the front of the path, it recognizes both:
C:\Users\z1083743>set PATH=C:\FUEL\std-1.4.10.1\Windows-x64-vs10.0\python-2.7.2\bin;%PATH%
C:\Users\z1083743>python
Python 2.7.2 (default, Jun 12 2011, 14:24:46) [MSC v.1500 64 bit (AMD64)] on win32
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>> ^Z
C:\Users\z1083743>python.exe
Python 2.7.2 (default, Jun 12 2011, 14:24:46) [MSC v.1500 64 bit (AMD64)] on win32
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>> ^Z
I've read through all of the answers to the adding-python-path-on-windows-7 question, but all of them are aimed at just getting it working. As far as I can tell, none of them would describe the behavior that I'm seeing.
What's happening here? Why does it need the .exe
extension in one case and not the other?