VSI-I64VMS-PYTHON-A0308-2-1-RNOTES.PDF

This document introduces the November 2020 port of Python 3.8.2 for VSI OpenVMS I64.

The port is delivered in two kits: a Core Python kit and a Python packages kit.

• The Core kit includes the Python binary distribution and OpenVMS-specific extensions, providing interfaces for VSI DATATRIEVE, Oracle RDB, system services, and library calls.
• The packages kit contains a collection of commonly used Python packages for web application development, integration, and testing, utilizing Python 'wheels' for flexible installation. Users can also download and install additional Python packages directly from PyPI using the PIP package installer.

Installation Requirements: VSI OpenVMS Version 8.4-1H1 I64 or higher, an ODS-5 enabled disk, and VSI TCP/IP or HPE TCP/IP Services for OpenVMS. An optional C compiler is needed for developing custom extensions.

Both kits are installed via PCSI, followed by post-installation tasks like adding startup commands to SYSTARTUP_VMS.COM and compiling modules for performance. The document recommends consulting the Python website and the VSI wiki for OpenVMS-specific module details and compatibility issues, and provides guidance for developers on creating their own dynamic Python modules.