.. Jython and Mercurial-specific file included to satisfy some references, derived from the former CPython devguide file raq.rst :tocdepth: 2 .. _faq: Jython Developer FAQ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ .. note:: The "frequently asked questions" in the CPython devguide were redistributed to the sections of the guide that deal with the subject of the question, under the a PR to `delete the FAQ`_. In the process we lose the Jython and Mercurial answers, so we're keeping it in the Jython version for the time being. .. _delete the FAQ: https://github.com/python/devguide/issues/27 .. contents:: :local: Communications ============== Where should I ask general Jython questions? -------------------------------------------- General Jython questions should still go to `jython-users`_ or `tutor`_ or similar resources, such as StackOverflow_ or the ``#jython`` IRC channel on Freenode_. .. _jython-users: https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/jython-users .. _tutor: http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/tutor .. _StackOverflow: http://stackoverflow.com/ .. _Freenode: http://freenode.net/ .. index:: single: PEP process; in FAQ .. _suggesting-changes-faq: Where should I suggest new features and language changes? --------------------------------------------------------- The `python-ideas`_ mailing list is specifically intended for discussion of new features and language changes. Please don't be disappointed if your idea isn't met with universal approval: as the long list of Rejected and Withdrawn PEPs in the `PEP Index`_ attests, and as befits a reasonably mature programming language, getting significant changes into Python isn't a simple task. If the idea is reasonable, someone will suggest posting it as a feature request on the `issue tracker`_, or, for larger changes, writing it up as a `draft PEP`_. Sometimes core developers will differ in opinion, or merely be collectively unconvinced. When there isn't an obvious victor then the `Status Quo Wins a Stalemate`_ as outlined in the linked post. For some examples on language changes that were accepted please read `Justifying Python Language Changes`_. See also the :ref:`langchanges` section of this guide. .. _python-ideas: http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-ideas .. _issue tracker: http://bugs.python.org .. _PEP Index: http://www.python.org/dev/peps/ .. _draft PEP: http://www.python.org/dev/peps/pep-0001/ .. _Status Quo Wins a Stalemate: http://www.curiousefficiency.org/posts/2011/02/status-quo-wins-stalemate.html .. _Justifying Python Language Changes: http://www.curiousefficiency.org/posts/2011/02/justifying-python-language-changes.html Where should I ask general questions about contributing to Jython? ------------------------------------------------------------------ Jython development is generally discussed on the jython-dev_ list. There is also the `Python Mentors`_ program which is specifically about encouraging developers and others that would like to contribute to Python and Jython development in general, rather than necessarily being focused on one particular issue. Some core developers are also available on the ``#jython`` IRC channel on Freenode_. .. _jython-dev: https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/jython-dev .. _Python Mentors: http://pythonmentors.com Where should I report specific problems? ---------------------------------------- Specific problems should be posted to the `Jython issue tracker`_. .. _Jython issue tracker: http://bugs.jython.org What if I'm not sure it is a bug? --------------------------------- The general Python help locations listed above are the best place to start with that kind of question. If they agree it looks like a bug, then the next step is to either post it to the `Jython issue tracker`_ or else to ask further on the core development mailing list, `jython-dev`_. .. _jython-dev: https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/jython-dev What if I disagree with an issue resolution on the tracker? ----------------------------------------------------------- First, take some time to consider any comments made in association with the resolution of the tracker issue. On reflection, they may seem more reasonable than they first appeared. If you still feel the resolution is incorrect, then raise the question on `jython-dev`_. .. _jython-dev: https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/jython-dev How do I tell who is and isn't a core developer? ------------------------------------------------ As Jython core developers are on the same list as CPython core developers, you can check their name against the `full list of developers`_ with commit rights to the main source control repository. On the `Jython issue tracker`_, most core developers will have the Python logo appear next to their name. (This is not yet true on the Jython tracker, we're working on it). .. _full list of developers: http://hg.python.org/committers.txt What standards of behaviour are expected in these communication channels? ------------------------------------------------------------------------- We try to foster environments of mutual respect, tolerance and encouragement, as described in the PSF's `Diversity Statement`_. Abiding by the guidelines in this document and asking questions or posting suggestions in the appropriate channels are an excellent way to get started on the mutual respect part, greatly increasing the chances of receiving tolerance and encouragement in return. .. _Diversity Statement: http://www.python.org/psf/diversity/ Version Control =============== For everyone ------------ The following FAQs are intended for both core developers and contributors. Where can I learn about the version control system used, Mercurial (hg)? '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Mercurial_'s (also known as ``hg``) official web site is at http://mercurial.selenic.com/. A book on Mercurial published by `O'Reilly Media`_, `Mercurial: The Definitive Guide`_, is available for free online. Another resource is `Hg Init: a Mercurial tutorial`_ by Joel Spolsky. With Mercurial installed, you can run the help tool that comes with Mercurial to get help:: hg help The `man page`_ for ``hg`` provides a quick refresher on the details of various commands, but doesn't provide any guidance on overall workflow. .. _Mercurial: http://mercurial.selenic.com/ .. _O'Reilly Media: http://www.oreilly.com/ .. _Mercurial\: The Definitive Guide: http://hgbook.red-bean.com/ .. _man page: http://www.selenic.com/mercurial/hg.1.html .. _Hg Init\: a Mercurial tutorial: http://hginit.com/ I already know how to use Git, can I use that instead? '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' .. warning:: Specific to CPython While the main workflow for core developers requires Mercurial, if you just want to generate patches with ``git diff`` and post them to the `issue tracker`_, Petri Lehtinen maintains a `git mirror`_ of the main `CPython repository`_. To create a local clone based on this mirror rather than the main repository:: git clone git://github.com/akheron/cpython The mirror's master branch tracks the main repository's default branch, while the maintenance branch names (``2.7``, ``3.3``, etc) are mapped directly. .. _git mirror: http://github.com/akheron/cpython .. _CPython repository: http://hg.python.org/cpython Please only use this approach if you're already an experienced Git user and don't require assistance with the specifics of version control commands. All other parts of this developer's guide assume the use of Mercurial for local version control. What do I need to use Mercurial? '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' UNIX ^^^^ First, you need to `download Mercurial`_. Most UNIX-based operating systems have binary packages available. Most package management systems also have native Mercurial packages available. If you have push rights, you need OpenSSH_. This is needed to verify your identity when performing commits. As with Mercurial, binary packages are typically available either online or through the platform's package management system. Mercurial does not use its own compression via SSH because it is better to enable compression at the SSH level. Enabling SSH compression can make cloning a remote repository much faster. You can configure it in your ``~/.ssh/config`` file; for example:: Host hg.python.org Compression yes .. _download Mercurial: http://mercurial.selenic.com/downloads .. _OpenSSH: http://www.openssh.org/ Windows ^^^^^^^ The recommended option on Windows is to `download TortoiseHg`_ which integrates with Windows Explorer and also bundles the command line client (meaning you can type ``hg`` in a DOS box). Note that most entries in this FAQ only cover the command line client in detail - refer to the TortoiseHg documentation for assistance with its graphical interface. If you have push rights, you need to configure Mercurial to work with your SSH keys. For that, open your Mercurial configuration file (you can do so by opening the TortoiseHg Global Settings dialog and then clicking *"Edit File"*). If there is no ``[ui]`` section, create it by typing just that on a line by itself. Then add the following line:: ssh = TortoisePlink.exe -ssh -2 -C -i C:\path\to\yourkey.ppk where ``C:\path\to\yourkey.ppk`` should be replaced with the actual path to your SSH private key. .. note:: If your private key is in OpenSSH format, you must first convert it to PuTTY format by loading it into `PuTTYgen`_. .. _download TortoiseHg: http://tortoisehg.bitbucket.org/download/index.html What's a working copy? What's a repository? ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Mercurial is a "distributed" version control system. This means that each participant, even casual contributors, download a complete copy (called a *clone*, since it is obtained by calling ``hg clone``) of the central repository which can be treated as a stand-alone repository for all purposes. That copy is called in the FAQ the *local repository*, to differentiate with any *remote repository* you might also interact with. But you don't modify files directly in the local repository; Mercurial doesn't allow for it. You modify files in what's called the *working copy* associated with your local repository: you also run compilations and tests there. Once you are satisfied with your changes, you can :ref:`commit them `; committing records the changes as a new *revision* in the *local repository*. Changes in your *local repository* don't get automatically shared with the rest of the world. Mercurial ensures that you have to do so explicitly (this allows you to experiment quite freely with multiple branches of development, all on your private computer). The main commands for doing so are ``hg pull`` and ``hg push``. Which branches are in my local repository? '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Typing ``hg branches`` displays the open branches in your local repository:: $ hg branches default 7083:358986e4d053 2.5 7065:5ce837b1a1d8 2.2 6412:bed9f9de4ef3 .. _hg-current-branch: Which branch is currently checked out in my working copy? ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Use:: $ hg branch default Or to get more information:: $ hg summary parent: 7083:358986e4d053 tip Merge forward. branch: default commit: 17 unknown (clean) update: (current) .. _hg-switch-branches: How do I switch between branches inside my working copy? '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Simply use ``hg update`` to checkout another branch in the current directory:: $ hg branch default $ hg update 3.3 86 files updated, 0 files merged, 11 files removed, 0 files unresolved $ hg branch 3.3 Adding the ``-v`` option to ``hg update`` will list all updated files. I want to keep a separate working copy per development branch, is it possible? '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' There are two ways: 1) Use the "`share extension`_" as described in the :ref:`multiple-clones` section; 2) Create several clones of your local repository; If you want to use the second way, you can do:: $ hg clone jython jy33 updating to branch default 3434 files updated, 0 files merged, 0 files removed, 0 files unresolved $ cd jy33 $ hg update 3.3 86 files updated, 0 files merged, 11 files removed, 0 files unresolved The current branch in a working copy is "sticky": if you pull in some new changes, ``hg update`` will update to the head of the *current branch*. .. _share extension: http://mercurial.selenic.com/wiki/ShareExtension .. _hg-paths: How do I link my local repository to a particular remote repository? '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Your local repository is linked by default to the remote repository it was *cloned* from. If you created it from scratch, however, it is not linked to any remote repository. In ``.hg/hgrc`` file for the local repository, add or modify the following section:: [paths] default = ssh://hg@hg.python.org/jython-docs/devguide This example is for a local repository that mirrors the ``devguide`` repository on ``hg.python.org``. The same approach works for other remote repositories. Anywhere that ```` is used in the commands in this FAQ, ``hg`` will use the default remote repository if you omit the parameter. How do I create a shorthand alias for a remote repository? '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' In your global ``.hgrc`` file add a section similar to the following:: [paths] dg = ssh://hg@hg.python.org/jython-docs/devguide This example creates a ``dg`` alias for this ``devguide`` repository on ``hg.python.org``. This allows "dg" to be entered instead of the full URL for commands taking a repository argument (e.g. ``hg pull dg`` or ``hg outgoing dg``). Anywhere that ```` is used in the commands in this FAQ, ``hg`` should accept an alias in place of a complete remote URL. How do I compare my local repository to a remote repository? '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' To display the list of changes that are in your local repository, but not in the remote, use:: hg outgoing This is the list of changes that will be sent if you call ``hg push ``. It does **not** include any :ref:`uncommitted changes ` in your working copy! Conversely, for the list of changes that are in the remote repository but not in the local, use:: hg incoming This is the list of changes that will be retrieved if you call ``hg pull ``. .. note:: In most daily use, you will work against the default remote repository, and therefore simply type ``hg outgoing`` and ``hg incoming``. In this case, you can also get a synthetic summary using ``hg summary --remote``. How do I update my local repository to be in sync with a remote repository? ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Run:: hg pull from the repository you wish to pull the latest changes into. Most of the time, that repository is a clone of the repository you want to pull from, so you can simply type:: hg pull This doesn't update your working copy, though. See below: How do I update my working copy with the latest changes? '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Do:: hg update This will update your working copy with the latest changes on the :ref:`current branch `. If you had :ref:`uncommitted changes ` in your working copy, they will be merged in. If you find yourself typing often ``hg pull`` followed by ``hg update``, be aware that you can combine them in a single command:: hg pull -u .. _hg-local-workflow: How do I apply a patch? ''''''''''''''''''''''' If you want to try out or review a patch generated using Mercurial, do:: patch -p1 < somework.patch This will apply the changes in your working copy without committing them. If the patch was not created by Mercurial (for example, a patch created by Subversion and thus lacking any ``a``/``b`` directory prefixes in the patch), replace ``-p1`` with ``-p0``. If the patch contains renames, deletions or copies, and you intend committing it after your review, you might prefer using:: hg import --no-commit somework.patch If you want to work on the patch using mq_ (Mercurial Queues), type instead:: hg qimport somework.patch This will create a patch in your queue with a name that matches the filename. You can use the ``-n`` argument to specify a different name. To have the patch applied to the working copy, type:: hg qpush Finally, to delete the patch, first un-apply it if necessary using ``hg qpop``, then do:: hg qdelete somework.patch .. _extended diff format: http://www.selenic.com/mercurial/hg.1.html#diffs .. _mq: http://mercurial.selenic.com/wiki/MqExtension .. _merge-patch: How do I solve conflicts when applying a patch fails? ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' The standard ``patch`` command, as well as ``hg import``, will produce unhelpful ``*.rej`` files when it fails applying parts of a patch. We suggest you try the mpatch_ utility, which can help resolve a number of common causes of patch rejects. To make use of ``mpatch`` transparent, you can define a shell alias in one of your startup files. For example, if you want it to open the ``kdiff3`` merge program to fix failing patch hunks:: alias patch='mpatch --merge=kdiff3' or if you want it to automatically solve conflicts by using heuristics:: alias patch='mpatch --auto --no-merge' .. _mpatch: http://oss.oracle.com/~mason/mpatch/ How do I add a file or directory to the repository? ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Simply specify the path to the file or directory to add and run:: hg add PATH If ``PATH`` is a directory, Mercurial will recursively add any files in that directory and its descendants. If you want Mercurial to figure out by itself which files should be added and/or removed, just run:: hg addremove **Be careful** though, as it might add some files that are not desired in the repository (such as build products, cache files, or other data). You will then need to run ``hg commit`` (as discussed below) to commit the file(s) to your local repository. What's the best way to split a file into several files? ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' To split a file into several files (e.g. a module converted to a package or a long doc file divided in two separate documents) use ``hg copy``:: hg copy module.rst module2.rst and then remove the parts that are not necessary from ``module.rst`` and ``module2.rst``. This allows Mercurial to know that the content of ``module2.rst`` used to be in ``module.rst``, and will make subsequent merges easier. If necessary, you can also use ``hg copy`` several times. If you simply create ``module2.rst``, add it with ``hg add``, and copy part of the content from ``module.rst``, Mercurial won't know that the two file are related. How do I delete a file or directory in the repository? '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Specify the path to be removed with:: hg remove PATH This will remove the file or the directory from your working copy; you will have to :ref:`commit your changes ` for the removal to be recorded in your local repository. .. _hg-status: What files are modified in my working copy? ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Running:: hg status will list any pending changes in the working copy. These changes will get committed to the local repository if you issue an ``hg commit`` without specifying any path. Some key indicators that can appear in the first column of output are: = =========================== A Scheduled to be added R Scheduled to be removed M Modified locally ? Not under version control = =========================== If you want a line-by-line listing of the differences, use:: hg diff How do I revert a file I have modified back to the version in the repository? ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Running:: hg revert PATH will revert ``PATH`` to its version in the repository, throwing away any changes you made locally. If you run:: hg revert -a from the root of your working copy it will recursively restore everything to match up with the repository. How do I find out who edited or what revision changed a line last? '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' You want:: hg annotate PATH This will output to stdout every line of the file along with which revision last modified that line. When you have the revision number, it is then easy to :ref:`display it in detail `. .. _hg-log: How can I see a list of log messages for a file or specific revision? ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' To see the history of changes for a specific file, run:: hg log -v [PATH] That will list all messages of revisions which modified the file specified in ``PATH``. If ``PATH`` is omitted, all revisions are listed. If you want to display line-by-line differences for each revision as well, add the ``-p`` option:: hg log -vp [PATH] .. _hg-log-rev: If you want to view the differences for a specific revision, run:: hg log -vp -r How can I see the changeset graph in my repository? ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' In Mercurial repositories, changesets don't form a simple list, but rather a graph: every changeset has one or two parents (it's called a merge changeset in the latter case), and can have any number of children. The graphlog_ extension is very useful for examining the structure of the changeset graph. It is bundled with Mercurial. Graphical tools, such as TortoiseHG, will display the changeset graph by default. .. _graphlog: http://mercurial.selenic.com/wiki/GraphlogExtension How do I update to a specific release tag? '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Run:: hg tags to get a list of tags. To update your working copy to a specific tag, use:: hg update How do I find which changeset introduced a bug or regression? ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ``hg bisect``, as the name indicates, helps you do a bisection of a range of changesets. You need two changesets to start the search: one that is "good" (doesn't have the bug), and one that is "bad" (has the bug). Usually, you have just noticed the bug in your working copy, so you can start with:: hg bisect --bad Then you must ``update`` to a previous changeset that doesn't have the bug. You can conveniently choose a faraway changeset (for example a former release), and check that it is indeed "good". Then type:: hg bisect --good Mercurial will automatically bisect so as to narrow the range of possible culprits, until a single changeset is isolated. Each time Mercurial presents you with a new changeset, re-compile Python and run the offending test, for example:: make -j2 ./python -m test -uall test_sometest Then, type either ``hg bisect --good`` or ``hg bisect --bad`` depending on whether the test succeeded or failed. How come feature XYZ isn't available in Mercurial? '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Mercurial comes with many bundled extensions which can be explicitly enabled. You can get a list of them by typing ``hg help extensions``. Some of these extensions, such as ``color``, can prettify output; others, such as ``fetch`` or ``graphlog``, add new Mercurial commands. There are also many `configuration options`_ to tweak various aspects of the command line and other Mercurial behaviour; typing `man hgrc`_ displays their documentation inside your terminal. In the end, please refer to the Mercurial `wiki`_, especially the pages about `extensions`_ (including third-party ones) and the `tips and tricks`_. .. _man hgrc: http://www.selenic.com/mercurial/hgrc.5.html .. _wiki: http://mercurial.selenic.com/wiki/ .. _extensions: http://mercurial.selenic.com/wiki/UsingExtensions .. _tips and tricks: http://mercurial.selenic.com/wiki/TipsAndTricks .. _configuration options: http://www.selenic.com/mercurial/hgrc.5.html .. _core-devs-faqs: For core developers ------------------- These FAQs are intended mainly for core developers. .. _hg-commit: How do I commit a change to a file? ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' To commit any changes to a file (which includes adding a new file or deleting an existing one), you use the command:: hg commit [PATH] ``PATH`` is optional: if it is omitted, all changes in your working copy will be committed to the local repository. When you commit, be sure that all changes are desired by :ref:`reviewing them first `; also, when making commits that you intend to push to public repositories, you should **not** commit together unrelated changes. To abort a commit that you are in the middle of, leave the message empty (i.e., close the text editor without adding any text for the message). Mercurial will then abort the commit operation so that you can try again later. Once a change is committed to your local repository, it is still only visible by you. This means you are free to experiment with as many local commits you feel like. .. note:: If you do not like the default text editor Mercurial uses for entering commit messages, you may specify a different editor, either by changing the ``EDITOR`` environment variable or by setting a Mercurial-specific editor in your global ``.hgrc`` with the ``editor`` option in the ``[ui]`` section. .. _hg-merge-conflicts: How do I solve merge conflicts? ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' The easiest way is to install KDiff3 --- Mercurial will open it automatically in case of conflicts, and you can then use it to solve the conflicts and save the resulting file(s). KDiff3 will also take care of marking the conflicts as resolved. If you don't use a merge tool, you can use ``hg resolve --list`` to list the conflicting files, resolve the conflicts manually, and the use ``hg resolve --mark `` to mark these conflicts as resolved. You can also use ``hg resolve -am`` to mark all the conflicts as resolved. .. note:: Mercurial will use KDiff3 automatically if it's installed and it can find it --- you don't need to change any settings. KDiff3 is also already included in the installer of TortoiseHg. For more information, see http://mercurial.selenic.com/wiki/KDiff3. .. _hg-null-merge: How do I make a null merge? ''''''''''''''''''''''''''' If you committed something (e.g. on 3.3) that shouldn't be ported on newer branches (e.g. on default), you have to do a *null merge*:: cd 3.x hg merge 3.3 hg revert -ar default hg resolve -am # needed only if the merge created conflicts hg ci -m '#12345: null merge with 3.3.' Before committing, ``hg status`` should list all the merged files as ``M``, but ``hg diff`` should produce no output. This will record the merge without actually changing the content of the files. .. _hg-heads-merge: I got "abort: push creates new remote heads!" while pushing, what do I do? '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' If you see this message while pushing, it means that you committed something on a clone that was not up to date, thus creating a new head. This usually happens for two reasons: 1. You forgot to run ``hg pull`` and/or ``hg up`` before committing; 2. Someone else pushed on the main repo just before you, causing a push race; First of all you should pull the new changesets using ``hg pull``. Then you can use ``hg heads`` to see which branches have multiple heads. If only one branch has multiple heads, you can do:: cd default hg heads . hg up csid-of-the-other-head hg merge hg ci -m 'Merge heads.' ``hg heads .`` will show you the two heads of the current branch: the one you pulled and the one you created with your commit (you can also specify a branch with ``hg heads ``). While not strictly necessary, it is highly recommended to switch to the other head before merging. This way you will be merging only your changeset with the rest, and in case of conflicts it will be a lot easier. If more than one branch has multiple heads, you have to repeat these steps for each branch. Since this creates new changesets, you will also have to :ref:`merge them between branches `. For example, if both ``3.3`` and ``default`` have multiple heads, you should first merge heads in ``3.3``, then merge heads in ``default``, and finally merge ``3.3`` with ``default`` using ``hg merge 3.3`` as usual. In order to avoid this, you should *always remember to pull and update before committing*. How do I undo the changes made in a recent commit? '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' First, this should not happen if you take the habit of :ref:`reviewing changes ` before committing them. In any case, run:: hg backout This will modify your working copy so that all changes in ```` (including added or deleted files) are undone. You then need to :ref:`commit ` these changes so that the backout gets permanently recorded. .. note:: These instructions are for Mercurial 1.7 and higher. ``hg backout`` has a slightly different behaviour in versions before 1.7. SSH === How do I generate an SSH 2 public key? -------------------------------------- All generated SSH keys should be sent to hgaccounts@python.org for adding to the list of keys. UNIX '''' Run:: ssh-keygen -t rsa This will generate two files; your public key and your private key. Your public key is the file ending in ``.pub``. Windows ''''''' Use PuTTYgen_ to generate your public key. Choose the "SSH2 DSA" radio button, have it create an OpenSSH formatted key, choose a password, and save the private key to a file. Copy the section with the public key (using Alt-P) to a file; that file now has your public key. .. _PuTTYgen: http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/download.html Is there a way to avoid having to constantly enter my password for my SSH 2 public key? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UNIX '''' Use ``ssh-agent`` and ``ssh-add`` to register your private key with SSH for your current session. The simplest solution, though, is to use KeyChain_, which is a shell script that will handle ``ssh-agent`` and ``ssh-add`` for you once per login instead of per session. .. _KeyChain: http://www.gentoo.org/proj/en/keychain/ .. _pageant: Windows ''''''' The Pageant program is bundled with TortoiseHg. You can find it in its installation directory (usually ``C:\Program Files (x86)\TortoiseHg\``); you can also `download it separately `_. Running Pageant will prevent you from having to type your password constantly. If you add a shortcut to Pageant to your Autostart group and edit the shortcut so that the command line includes an argument to your private key then Pageant will load the key every time you log in. Can I make commits from machines other than the one I generated the keys on? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can :ref:`make commits ` from any machine, since they will be recorded in your *local repository*. However, to push these changes to the remote server, you will need proper credentials. All you need is to make sure that the machine you want to push changes from has both the public and private keys in the standard place that ssh will look for them (i.e. ~/.ssh on Unix machines). Please note that although the key file ending in .pub contains your user name and machine name in it, that information is not used by the verification process, therefore these key files can be moved to a different computer and used for verification. Please guard your keys and never share your private key with anyone. If you lose the media on which your keys are stored or the machine on which your keys are stored, be sure to report this to pydotorg@python.org at the same time that you change your keys.