What's the difference between python-minimal and python-all?

Question

Basically the question. I need to setup an environment that supports tkinter programming in python and maybe some network socket stuff too. I'd also like to emphasize that I need python 3.

Solution

python-all, according to the docs, is a minimal package intended to avoid hard-coded dependencies on python versions.

The two packages you would be looking for are probably python vs. python-minimal. Between those two, the difference is pretty minimal. For the most part, start tinkering with what is installed. You'll probably find that everything is there. If it isn't, look for a package or use easy_install.

Comments

[Jack M.]

Thanks, Eric. I updated the links to point at an LTS release.

[Timo]

When the diff is minimal, why would you need both python and python-minimal? I use Ubuntu and the installer even wants libpython3.7-minimal.