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How to configure the IDL python bridge when using WinPython distribution
When running the IDL to Python bridge on Windows, using a WinPython distribution, you may face the below error
IDL> >>>
>>> import numpy as np
% SPAWN: Error executing spawn command.
This error is usually due to missing environment variables which prevent the python command to be found when called from IDL
Another side effect is that python cannot be launched from cmd / DOS command
C:\Users\bcasson>python
'python' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.
In order to fix this issue, the below environment variables should be defined as follow:
PATH=C:\Program Files\winpython\WPy64-3771\python-3.7.7.amd64\;C:\Program Files\Harris\IDLxx\bin\bin.x86_64;[+ your existing PATH]
Note: the paths to WinPython and to IDLxx should be set at the beginning of the PATH variable
PYTHONHOME= C:\Program Files\winpython\WPy64-3771\python-3.7.7.amd64\
PYTHONPATH=C:\Program Files\Harris\IDLxx\bin\bin.x86_64;C:\Program Files\Harris\IDLxx\lib\bridges
QT_PLUGIN_PATH=C:\Program Files\winpython\WPy64-3771\python-3.7.7.amd64\libs
Then restart IDL and try again to run python commands
IDL> >>>
>>> import numpy as np
% Loaded DLM: PYTHON37.
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created by BC on 11/4/20 - reviewed by BC(US) on 11/4/2020