ipython/executable-find returns nil in Emacs 22.1 on XP
From:
Park Hays
Subject:
ipython/executable-find returns nil in Emacs 22.1 on XP
Date:
Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:42:29 -0600
Using Emacs 22.1 on Windows XP. Particular file which precipitates this is in ipython.el, revision 2275.
The problem I'm experiencing is that the lisp which is, in effect, (executable-find "ipython")
returns nil. When I go to the command prompt (cmd.exe) I type "ipython" and the correct behavior occurs--namely a python session with ipython starts. Therefore, I assert that my path variables are correct.
I do not understand how executable-find goes about finding executables. However, I suspect the problem is that the actual file executed when I type "ipython" at the command prompt is named "ipython.py
". XP has an environment variable called "PATHEXT", which contains a semicolon-delimited list of file extensions which are executed. I believe their is a corresponding registry entry which tells the system how to execute scripts.
I don't know for certain, but I suspect a call to exec() will work correctly--that is, invoke the script with its appropriate interpreter.
There is enough traffic on the newsgroup archives to suggest this may be the cause of many problems people experience when trying to use emacs with external applications. Or maybe it is just me :).
I love GNU Emacs, and having it on WinXP has been a delight. Thanks for all your hard work!