Allow apps packaged as native Linux system packages to use a non-default Python
- Dominant language
- Python
- Stars
- 3.3k
- Forks
- 549
- Avg merge
- 1d 4h
- Merged PRs (30d)
- 40
Description
### What is the problem or limitation you are having?
Currently, Briefcase enforces that apps packaged as native Linux system packages target the default Python for the distro. For instance, Ubuntu 22.04 symlinks Python 3.10 from `/usr/bin/python3`. However, most distros now allow side-by-side Python installations. So, on Ubuntu 22.04, Python3.11 can be installed; however, Briefcase's native Linux system packages cannot target non-default Python versions.
### Describe the solution you'd like
Add support to target non-default Python versions when packaging native Linux system packages.
### Describe alternatives you've considered
Status quo.
### Additional context
_No response_
Contributor guide
Research direction
The issue names no files, tests, or entry points. Start by locating Briefcase's native Linux system-package backend and the logic that selects the distro's default Python; done means packaging can explicitly target an installed non-default Python version, such as Python 3.11 on Ubuntu 22.04.
Written by the indexing model from the issue text.
Assessment
- Tech stack
- python
- Domain
- build-system, operating-systems
- Issue type
- Feature
- Difficulty
- 4/5
- Estimated time
- 3-5 days
- Activity status
- Quiet
- Clarity
- Needs clarification
- Newbie friendliness
- 42/100