Python module readline for command history
Keywords: gildas-python

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Python module `readline` for command history

The Python interpreter launched from SIC provides the command line history if and only if the Python module `readline` is imported. This is done automatically when the interpreter is launched. If this module can not be imported, an `ImportError` will be raised and you will not have the command history at the Python prompt.

The `readline` module is a Python builtin module. In most case it has been compiled and installed during your Python installation. Nevertheless, in case of a new compilation and installation of Python, it may not be available. You can check this by trying to import it in a standard Python session:

    >>> import readline

If an `ImportError` raises, here is what you (or your system administrator) have to do. The basic idea is that the `readline` Python module is compiled from a `readline.c` in Python source. Your system must provide the libraries `libreadline.a` and `libtermcap.a` to compile it successfully.

1. Check the `config.log` file (the output of the `./configure` command) in the directory used to compile Python. Search for `readline` occurences and look for errors that did not allow to find `readline` on your system.
2. It may appear that some symbols where undefined. They are provided by the two system libraries `libreadline.a` and `libtermcap.a`. Check if you have them, install them if not. Launch `./configure` command again.
3. If the `readline` Python module still not compiles, try fo force `./configure` to link against one or two of the above system libraries:

       ./configure --with-libs='-ltermcap'

   The module should now compile. `make` and `make install` your Python with its new module.

Next: Install NumPy module for Up: Installing PyGILDAS Previous: How to build your Contents Index