python-is-magic

Some Linux distributions have packages called python-is-python2 and python-is-python3 which control whether one gets python2 or python3 in scripts that have a #!/usr/bin/env python shebang.

In either case, things break. That’s where python-is-magic comes in. It rejects those choices and tries to “Do What I Mean”.

How Does It Work?

The main mechanism is attempting to compile the target script as Python 3 code in a subprocess without running it. If this fails, the script is assumed to be Python 2 code.

What Are the Requirements?

You need Python 3.6 or higher.

What’s the Catch?

Some extra startup time. Consider fixing your Python programs.

To-Do

• Cache results

• Automate installation into PATH

License

Take your pick of “public domain” equivalent licenses:

• BSD Zero Clause License

• MIT No Attribution

• The Unlicense

• Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal (or later)