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I'm trying to install the Python Imaging Library on a MacBook running 10.6 Snow Leopard. I haven't yet found a precompiled binary for OS X, so I need to compile it from source, which means I need gcc.

Thing is, though, it's not my computer (it belongs to the school at which I teach), and Xcode is no longer free. If I go the route of getting gcc through installing Xcode, then either I have to join the Apple Developer Program or purchase Xcode through the Mac App Store (using my own account, no less). Neither option is particularly attractive.

So I guess I have two questions:

  1. Is there a precompiled PIL binary for 10.6 out there?
  2. Is there another way to go about getting gcc for free?
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this belongs on superuser btw. – Chance Apr 28 '11 at 12:55
@Chance: how is a question about a compiler and a python module not programming related? – Wooble Apr 28 '11 at 13:02
@Wooble: It's more about the software (and installing said software) than any kind of programming problem. Could go either way, but yeah -- i can definitely see a case for moving to SU. – cHao Apr 28 '11 at 14:14
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3 Answers

up vote 2 down vote

XCode 3.0 is free through the developer tools web site if you get a free developer account. You can use that to bootstrap MacPorts, which will compile and install newer versions of gcc, and which will also install PIL.

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Last time I tried (I have a free developer account) I needed to be on a yearly developer program! In the end I got XCode3, but macports is probably a better idea if you don't need the rest of xcode. – juanchopanza Apr 28 '11 at 13:13
Ah, you're right. I was thinking 3 was that version. It still has XCode 3 available for download if you're in the free program, and that's all you need to bootstrap MacPorts, which will install the latest GCC and PIL. – Seth Johnson Apr 28 '11 at 13:31
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up vote 1 down vote

Buy XCode 4 for lousy 5 USD - what's the point?

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It's not about the money. It's about using my personal App Store account to purchase software on a machine I don't own, which I'm reluctant to do. – Alex Basson Apr 28 '11 at 12:59
Downvoted for whatever reason? Better downvote the OP or spend 5 USD for buying a compiler. Kindergarten... – RestRisiko Apr 28 '11 at 13:12
@RestRisiko yea, I'm not sure but I'm +1 for being in the same boat and making the same argument :P – Chance Apr 28 '11 at 15:16
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up vote 1 down vote

XCode3 is still free and XCode4 is what, $5?

edit I'm honestly not sure what this entails, but could be worth checking out: https://github.com/mxcl/homebrew/wiki/Custom-GCC-and-cross-compilers

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I don't mind spending the $5. But I don't want to use my personal Mac App Store account on a school machine. And besides, while Apple is welcome to charge whatever they want for Xcode, gcc should still be free, both as in beer and speech, no? – Alex Basson Apr 28 '11 at 12:56
Ask your school... – RestRisiko Apr 28 '11 at 12:57
@Alex: Apple is free to charge for GCC, although I doubt they can legally stop you from redistributing all of Xcode to whoever you want, considering it contains GPL software. – Wooble Apr 28 '11 at 13:00
@Alex Basson neither beer nor speech will ever truly be free. I can see your point (re: school computer). My advice would be to grab XCode 3 (and yes, I was a bit shocked they charge for XCode 4.. kinda pissed me off too) – Chance Apr 28 '11 at 15:15
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