Use system Python to install packages for embeddable Python

[t0mdavid-m]

Summary

This PR fixes package installation for Windows embeddable Python by using the system Python installation to compile and install packages into the embeddable Python's site-packages directory, rather than attempting to use the embeddable Python directly.

Problem

The embeddable Python distribution lacks development headers (Python.h) needed to compile native extensions. Attempting to install packages directly with the embeddable Python fails when packages require compilation, resulting in errors like:

fatal error C1083: Cannot open include file: 'Python.h': No such file or directory

Solution

• Removed the manual pip installation step that downloaded and ran get-pip.py on the embeddable Python
• Added a prerequisite step to set up the system Python (same version as embeddable)
• Changed package installation to use system Python with --target flag to install packages into the embeddable Python's Lib/site-packages directory
• Updated documentation to explain the requirement and the new installation approach

Changes Made

1. build-windows-executable-app.yaml: Removed pip installation step, updated package installation command to use system Python with --target
2. test-win-exe-w-embed-py.yaml: Added system Python setup step, removed pip installation step, updated package installation command
3. docs/win_exe_with_embed_py.md: Added prerequisites section, removed pip installation instructions, updated package installation instructions with explanation and warnings

Key Implementation Details

• System Python is set up using actions/setup-python@v5 with the same version as the embeddable Python
• Packages are installed using: python -m pip install -r requirements.txt --target python-3.11.9/Lib/site-packages --upgrade --no-warn-script-location
• The --target flag directs pip to install into the embeddable Python's site-packages while using the system Python's compiler and headers
• Documentation includes clear warnings about not using the embeddable Python directly for package installation

https://claude.ai/code/session_0152zcfBS5dWLtM12ubuYrKC

Summary by CodeRabbit

• Documentation

  • Updated Windows executable build guide with new prerequisites and installation requirements for embeddable Python.

• Chores

  • Improved build and test workflows for Windows executables by refining dependency installation process to use system Python for package compilation.

_{✏️ Tip: You can customize this high-level summary in your review settings.}

[coderabbitai]

📝 Walkthrough

Walkthrough

Modified GitHub workflows and documentation for Windows executable creation with embedded Python to use system Python for package installation into embedded Python's site-packages, replacing direct embeddable Python pip usage and removing standalone pip installation steps.

Changes

Cohort / File(s)	Summary
GitHub Workflows .github/workflows/build-windows-executable-app.yaml, .github/workflows/test-win-exe-w-embed-py.yaml	Refactored dependency installation to use system Python with --target flag directing packages to embedded Python's site-packages. Removed separate pip installation steps and added comments explaining embedded Python lacks Python.h headers for native extensions. Added setup-python action to ensure system Python availability.
Documentation docs/win_exe_with_embed_py.md	Added Prerequisites section requiring system Python matching embedded Python version. Included explicit Python 3.11.9 installation instructions. Updated package installation instructions to use system Python with --target path. Added Important note prohibiting direct pip usage on embedded Python with Python.h missing error example. Removed standalone pip installation block.

Poem

🐰 A system Python hops in with care,
Installing packages with --target flair,
While embedded Python sits peaceful and light,
No headers needed, the workflow's just right!
Together they work, a beautiful sight! 🌟

🚥 Pre-merge checks | ✅ 3

✅ Passed checks (3 passed)

Check name	Status	Explanation
Description Check	✅ Passed	Check skipped - CodeRabbit’s high-level summary is enabled.
Title check	✅ Passed	The title accurately and concisely summarizes the main change: using system Python to install packages for embeddable Python instead of using embeddable Python directly.
Docstring Coverage	✅ Passed	No functions found in the changed files to evaluate docstring coverage. Skipping docstring coverage check.

_{✏️ Tip: You can configure your own custom pre-merge checks in the settings.}

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