The Python Version Constraint

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 58 views

Introduction

When working with Python packages, it's essential to understand the version constraints that come with them. These constraints are in place to ensure compatibility and prevent issues that may arise from using outdated or unsupported versions of Python. In this article, we'll delve into the Python version constraint for a specific package and explore the possibility of relaxing the version constraint.

The Python Version Constraint

The Python version constraint for the package in question is <3.10. This means that the package is only compatible with Python versions prior to 3.10. As of the time of writing, Python 3.9 is nearing its End-of-Life (EOL) status, which raises questions about the feasibility of relaxing the version constraint.

The Error Message

When attempting to install the package in Python 3.11, the following error message is encountered:

> reticulate:::uv_get_or_create_env("tabpfn-extensions[post_hoc_ensembles,interpretability,hpo] @ git+https://github.com/PriorLabs/tabpfn-extensions.git")
   Updating https://github.com/PriorLabs/tabpfn-extensions.git (HEAD)
Downloading hyperopt (1.5MiB)
Downloading matplotlib (8.2MiB)
Downloading fonttools (4.7MiB)
Downloading kiwisolver (1.4MiB)
   Building llvmlite==0.36.0
  × Failed to build `llvmlite==0.36.0`
  ├─▶ The build backend returned an error
  ╰─▶ Call to `setuptools.build_meta:__legacy__.build_wheel` failed (exit
      status: 1)

      [stderr]
      Traceback (most recent call last):
        File "<string>", line 14, in <module>
        File
      "/home/tomasz/.cache/uv/builds-v0/.tmpkM0e4r/lib/python3.11/site-packages/setuptools/build_meta.py",
      line 334, in get_requires_for_build_wheel
          return self._get_build_requires(config_settings, requirements=[])
                 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
        File
      "/home/tomasz/.cache/uv/builds-v0/.tmpkM0e4r/lib/python3.11/site-packages/setuptools/build_meta.py",
      line 304, in _get_build_requires
          self.run_setup()
        File
      "/home/tomasz/.cache/uv/builds-v0/.tmpkM0e4r/lib/python3.11/site-packages/setuptools/build_meta.py",
      line 522, in run_setup
          super().run_setup(setup_script=setup_script)
        File
      "/home/tomasz/.cache/uv/builds-v0/.tmpkM0e4r/lib/python3.11/site-packages/setuptools/build_meta.py",
      line 320, in run_setup
          exec(code, locals())
        File "<string>", line 55, in <module>
        File "<string>", line 52, in _guard_py_ver
      RuntimeError: Cannot install on Python version 3.11.11; only versions
      >=3.6,<3.10 are supported.

      hint: This usually indicates a problem with the package or the build
      environment.
  help: `llvmlite` (v0.36.0) was included because
        `tabpfn-extensions[post-hoc-ensembles]` (v0.0.4) depends on
        `kditransform` (v0.2.0) which depends on `numba` (v0.53.1) which
        depends on `llvmlite`
uv error code: 1
-- Current requirements -------------------------------------------------
 Python:   3.11.11 (reticulate default)
 Packages: tabpfn-extensions[post_hoc_ensembles,interpretability,hpo]
           @ git+https://github.com/PriorLabs/tabpfn-extensions.git
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Understanding the Error Message

The error message indicates that the package llvmlite is not compatible with Python 3.11.11. The message suggests that the issue lies with the package or the build environment, rather than the Python version itself.

Relaxing the Version Constraint

Given the error message and the constraints in place, it's clear that relaxing the version constraint is not a straightforward process. However, there are a few possible solutions to consider:

Update the package: If the package is not compatible with Python 3.11.11, it may be possible to update the package to a version that is compatible with the latest Python version.
Use a different package: If updating the package is not feasible, it may be possible to use a different package that is compatible with Python 3.11.11.
Modify the build environment: In some cases, it may be possible to modify the build environment to make it compatible with Python 3.11.11.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Python version constraint for the package in question is <3.10, which means that it's only compatible with Python versions prior to 3.10. When attempting to install the package in Python 3.11, an error message is encountered, indicating that the package is not compatible with the latest Python version. While relaxing the version constraint is not a straightforward process, there are possible solutions to consider, such as updating the package, using a different package, or modifying the build environment.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis, the following recommendations can be made:

Update the package: If possible, update the package to a version that is compatible with Python 3.11.11.
Use a different package: If updating the package is not feasible, consider using a different package that is compatible with Python 3.11.11.
Modify the build environment: In some cases, it may be possible to modify the build environment to make it compatible with Python 3.11.11.

Future Work

In the future, it would be beneficial to explore the following:

Developing a more flexible version constraint: Consider developing a more flexible version constraint that allows for compatibility with multiple Python versions.
Improving the build environment: Improve the build environment to make it more compatible with the latest Python versions.
Providing more detailed error messages: Provide more detailed error messages to help users understand the issue and find a solution.

References

Python 3.9 End-of-Life
Reticulate Documentation
Python Version Constraint: Q&A =====================================

Q: What is the Python version constraint for the package in question?

A: The Python version constraint for the package in question is <3.10, which means that it's only compatible with Python versions prior to 3.10.

Q: Why is the package not compatible with Python 3.11?

A: The package is not compatible with Python 3.11 because it relies on a dependency that is not compatible with the latest Python version. Specifically, the package llvmlite is not compatible with Python 3.11.11.

Q: Can I update the package to a version that is compatible with Python 3.11?

A: Yes, it's possible to update the package to a version that is compatible with Python 3.11. However, this may require significant changes to the package and its dependencies.

Q: What are the possible solutions to the issue?

A: The possible solutions to the issue are:

Update the package: Update the package to a version that is compatible with Python 3.11.
Use a different package: Use a different package that is compatible with Python 3.11.
Modify the build environment: Modify the build environment to make it compatible with Python 3.11.

Q: How can I modify the build environment to make it compatible with Python 3.11?

A: Modifying the build environment to make it compatible with Python 3.11 may require significant changes to the build process and the dependencies used. It's recommended to consult the documentation for the build environment and the dependencies used to determine the best course of action.

Q: What are the benefits of relaxing the version constraint?

A: Relaxing the version constraint can provide several benefits, including:

Increased flexibility: Relaxing the version constraint can provide more flexibility in terms of the Python versions that can be used.
Improved compatibility: Relaxing the version constraint can improve compatibility with different Python versions.
Easier maintenance: Relaxing the version constraint can make it easier to maintain the package and its dependencies.

Q: What are the potential risks of relaxing the version constraint?

A: Relaxing the version constraint can also introduce potential risks, including:

Incompatibility issues: Relaxing the version constraint can introduce incompatibility issues with different Python versions.
Security vulnerabilities: Relaxing the version constraint can introduce security vulnerabilities if the package and its dependencies are not properly maintained.
Performance issues: Relaxing the version constraint can introduce performance issues if the package and its dependencies are not properly optimized.

Q: How can I determine whether relaxing the version constraint is the right decision for my project?

A: To determine whether relaxing the version constraint is the right decision for your project, consider the following factors:

Project requirements: Consider the project requirements and whether relaxing the version constraint is necessary to meet those requirements.
Package dependencies: Consider the package dependencies and whether relaxing the version constraint will introduce incompatibility issues or security vulnerabilities.
Performance and security: Consider the performance and security implications of relaxing the version constraint and whether they align with the project requirements.

Q: What are the best practices for managing version constraints in Python projects?

A: The best practices for managing version constraints in Python projects include:

Using a version constraint tool: Use a version constraint tool, such as pip-compile, to manage version constraints.
Defining a clear version constraint policy: Define a clear version constraint policy that outlines the version constraints for the project.
Regularly reviewing and updating version constraints: Regularly review and update version constraints to ensure they align with the project requirements and dependencies.

Q: How can I get help with managing version constraints in my Python project?

A: If you need help with managing version constraints in your Python project, consider the following resources:

Python documentation: Consult the Python documentation for guidance on managing version constraints.
Stack Overflow: Consult Stack Overflow for answers to common version constraint-related questions.
Python communities: Join Python communities, such as the Python subreddit or Python forums, to connect with other developers who may be able to provide guidance on managing version constraints.