Resolving node-gyp Default Python Version Issue on Ubuntu

Discover how to easily change the default Python version used by `node-gyp` and resolve common issues experienced on Ubuntu.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/66692567/ asked by the user 'Rando Shtishi' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/2513916/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/66694929/ provided by the user 'Rando Shtishi' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/2513916/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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Resolving node-gyp Default Python Version Issue on Ubuntu

When working with Node.js, particularly with native modules, you may encounter issues while using node-gyp, a tool that allows you to compile native addon modules. One of the common problems developers face is the inability to change the default Python version that node-gyp uses. This can lead to various errors and hinder your development process. Let's dive into how you can resolve this issue effectively.

Understanding the Problem

Upon running the command node-gyp rebuild, some developers may face an error message indicating that the tool is using an undesired version of Python (locally, Python 3). This is particularly confusing if you've previously set a different Python version, such as Python 2.7, and it often results in the following error message:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This error can arise from a mismatch in the Python version.

Scenario Shared

In our specific case, running node-gyp rebuild on an Ubuntu 20.04 system with Node version 9.6.1 and Python version 2.7.18 resulted in consistent errors despite attempts to set the Python version directly in the command.

Attempts Made

You might have tried various commands like:

node-gyp rebuild --python=/home/rando/.pyenv/versions/2.7.18/bin

node-gyp rebuild --python=2.7

node-gyp rebuild --python=2.7.18

All these attempts led to the same underlying issue of node-gyp ignoring the specified Python version.

The Solution

The good news is that you can easily resolve this issue by utilizing an environment variable. This method ensures that node-gyp adheres to the specified Python version for all rebuild operations.

Steps to Resolve

Export the Python Path:
You need to set the NODE_GYP_FORCE_PYTHON environment variable to point to the desired Python executable. Run the following command in your terminal:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Confirm the Setting:
It’s a good practice to check if the environment variable is set correctly. You can do this by running:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This command will output the path you set, confirming that the change was successful.

Rebuild your Package:
Now, you can retry the node-gyp rebuild command. This time, it should utilize the specified Python version, resolving the previous errors.

Additional Tips

Make sure that the path you specify in NODE_GYP_FORCE_PYTHON is correct and points to a valid Python executable.

Consider adding the export command to your shell profile (e.g., .bashrc, .bash_profile, or .zshrc) if you need this setting to persist across terminal sessions.

Conclusion

Encountering a default Python version issue with node-gyp may seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be resolved quickly. Setting the NODE_GYP_FORCE_PYTHON environment variable allows you to dictate which Python version node-gyp uses during its operations, leading to a smoother development experience. If you continue to experience problems, double-check your Python installation and ensure that your Node.js environment is correctly configured.

By following these steps, you should now be able to overcome the issue of node-gyp using the wrong Python version seamlessly. Happy coding!

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