The Complex Path for a Simple Portable Python Interpreter, or Snakes on a Data Plane

ScyllaDB faced challenges in shipping Python scripts across various enterprise environments due to module dependencies, Python version conflicts, and stringent security policies. While considering alternatives like rewriting scripts in C++ or using tools like Cython and PyInstaller, ScyllaDB ultimately developed a unique solution: a relocatable Python3 interpreter. This interpreter is bundled with necessary libraries, enabling it to run on any Linux distribution without relying on system libraries. The approach ensures compatibility, maintains access to source code, and allows for script extensibility by including pip for installing additional packages. This method not only simplifies distribution but also addresses execution-time dependencies effectively, offering a robust solution tailored to their needs, although its broader applicability remains to be explored.