Description of problem: Fedora's 'python-2.4.2-3.2.1' rpm contains the standard Python software plus the third-party module 'japanese'. The file /usr/lib/python2.4/site-packages/japanese.pth contains 'import japanese' This causes lots of Japanese language-specific code to be executed at the beginning of EVERY python program. [ 'import japanese' causes python to read /usr/lib/python2.4/site-packages/japanese/__init__.py which causes python to execute 'import aliases' which causes python to read /usr/lib/python2.4/site-packages/japanese/aliases/__init__.py which causes python to execure 'import encodings.aliases' ... ] Its good that Python has Japanese language support, but I don't think that Japanese language code needs to be executed by default for every Python program. It causes a performance penalty for the large number of Python users who do not require Japanese language support. Possible solutions: 1) Remove the japanese.pth file so that the Japanese codecs are disabled by default. Then a Python user can 'import japanese' if and when its required. Either by adding 'import japanese' at the top of a script or by editing /usr/lib/python2.4/site.py (or sitecustomize.py) and adding 'import japanese' so it is executed for all Python programs. 2) Remove the japanese module from the Fedora 'python-2.4.2-3.2.1' rpm and create a 'python-japanese' rpm which is no longer installed with Python, but instead becomes an optional extra package (perhaps installed if a Japanese locale is selected). Version-Release number of selected component (if applicable): python-2.4.2-3.2.1 How reproducible: Always Steps to Reproduce: 1. Create a minimal python script 'test.py': #!/usr/bin/env python print 'a' 2. $ strace ./test.py >strace-log 2>&1 3. Search through the log file for 'japanese' and 'encodings' to see all the extra system calls that are made. Actual results: Many system calls involve 'japanese' and 'encodings'. Expected results: No system calls to 'japanese' and 'encodings' unless the Python programmer explicitly imports the japanese module. Additional info:
I agree, I like the second one beter (splitting japanese out).
japanese pulled out from python 2.5 packaging; if someone still needs the functionality, they can submit it as a separate package