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When I eventually upgrade to 11.04 I will need to install Python 2.6 for development purposes. The 11.04 default is 2.7. Can I just install the python2.6 package alongside the default python package? I don't want anything else to depend on it, I need it for only one purpose. I will be using Distribute and virtualenv to install any further dependencies for Python 2.6.

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thanks for the answers; in retrospect it should have been obvious seeing as I run python3 side-by-side with no problems :) – d3vid May 5 '11 at 6:18
updated title to reflect that it applies to newer versions too – d3vid May 5 '11 at 6:23

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Run synaptic(through the application lens in unity or System -> Administration if you are using classic desktop )

search for python 2.6 in the filter at the top and mark it for installation by right clicking it, and selecting "Mark for Installation".

It should run alongside 2.7 fine as far as I'm aware, now when you need to use 2.6 invoke it directly, i.e with the command "python2.6 "

This should work, let me know if it doesn't though. :)

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thanks for the edit :) i'm new to unity so i'm not used to talking to people in terms of the new GUI – Grant May 3 '11 at 15:48
for anyone applying the question to an older version of Ubuntu or via the Gnome 2 desktop, Synaptic is available under System / Administration / Synaptic Package Manager – d3vid May 5 '11 at 6:16
Or just click here for any newer version: apt.ubuntu.com/p/python2.6 . – Agmenor Nov 11 '11 at 1:47
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Yes, you can without any problems.

You can even do system wide installs using easy_install. Just instead of invoking it directly, invoke it via python2.6 easy_install.

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it's good to point that out, thanks – d3vid May 5 '11 at 6:13

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