"python": "^2.7" should be defined in "engines" field of node-gyp/package.json

[hulkish]

This would be helpful to know during the install phase of node-gyp. Is there any reason not to fo this?

[refack]

The only issue that might arise is that node-gyp is a dep of npm and if it fails, AFAIR it will propagate to fail npm. For most users that's an unneeded fails.

[hulkish]

@refack I admit this is not specifically a node-gyp concern. I guess the question is how are we intended to communicate these kinds of requirements?

For example, if you don't know that python is required when you install node-gyp - you only learn so when trying (and failing) to actually use node-gyp. Which, I think it might be better to at least emit a warning on the install phase.

This is especially easy to run into if for example you are constructing a custom node image.

[refack]

Which, I think it might be better to at least emit a warning on the install phase.

That's a nice idea. If you have the time to submit a PR to hook script: {install}, that would be much appreciated.