How to use a different Python interpreter for TIBCO Spotfire Analyst and the Python Service

Product: TIBCO Spotfire Analyst

Versions: 10.0.1 and later

Summary:

This article describes how to use a different Python interpreter for TIBCO Spotfire Analyst and the Python Service

Details:

This article describes how to use a different Python interpreter for TIBCO Spotfire Analyst and the Python Service than the one that ships with the product.

Resolution:

Changing the Python interpreter for Spotfire Analyst
Please refer to the section "Tips for using a different Python interpreter" (page 17 in the manual linked below) in the "Python Data Functions in TIBCO Spotfire" manual for the instructions: 
https://docs.tibco.com/pub/sfire-analyst/11.4.0/doc/pdf/TIB_sfire-analyst_python-packages.pdf?id=2

In short, you can install a Python interpreter of different version on the Spotfire Analyst machine, and specify the path for this custom python engine under Spotfire Analyst "Tools > Options > Data Functions > Use specific local python.exe". Note: make sure to check the "Python Data Functions in TIBCO Spotfire" manual for your specific Spotfire version for the supported Python versions.

For this alternative Python interpreter, you must install the packages that are required by Spotfire to work properly with Python, and packages are installed in the site-library directory for that interpreter. Refer to the "Included packages" section (page 5 in the manual linked below) for a list of packages required:
https://docs.tibco.com/pub/sfire-analyst/11.4.0/doc/pdf/TIB_sfire-analyst_python-packages.pdf?id=2


Changing the Python interpreter for the Python service
Please refer to the page "Creating a Spotfire Package for an Alternative Python Interpreter (for Windows)" in the "TIBCO Spotfire Service Python Installation and Administration" manual for the instructions:
https://docs.tibco.com/pub/sf-pysrv/1.3.0/doc/html/GUID-F074A4A1-29D2-44EC-ACF0-55FE07C4FBB1.html
Note: make sure to check the manual for your specific Spotfire version for the supported Python versions.

Also note that this method of building and deploying an SPK with an alternative Python engine/interpreter can also be used to distribute a new Python engine to all Spotfire Analyst clients, which is also covered in that manual page.