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docs(python3): clarify Python version compatibility and unsafe site-p… #1961

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docs(python3): clarify Python version compatibility and unsafe site-p…
kaushalacts Jan 4, 2026
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docs(python3): clarify execution model and ENTRYPOINT behavior
kaushalacts Jan 4, 2026
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Merge branch 'main' into docs/python-version-compatibility
kaushalacts Apr 20, 2026
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53 changes: 50 additions & 3 deletions python3/README.md
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Expand Up @@ -6,11 +6,58 @@ This image contains a minimal Linux, Python-based runtime.

Specifically, the image contains everything in the [base image](../base/README.md), plus:

* Python 3 and its dependencies.
* No shell and no support for ctypes
* Python 3 and its runtime dependencies
* No shell and limited support for native extensions

## Usage

The entrypoint of this image is set to "python", so this image expects users to supply a path to a .py file in the CMD.
This image is intended to run Python applications directly.

See the Python [Hello World](../examples/python3/) directory for an example.

---

## ⚠️ Important Usage Notes

### Python Version Compatibility

The Python version included in distroless images is provided by the underlying
Debian distribution. Users must ensure that any Python packages copied into the
image were built using the **exact same Python minor version**.

❌ Unsupported / unsafe pattern

- Installing dependencies using Python 3.12 in a builder stage
- Copying `/usr/local/lib/python3.12` or site-packages into a distroless image
that uses Python 3.11

This may result in runtime errors such as:

- `SyntaxError: Non-UTF-8 code starting with '\x80'`
- `No module named <package>`
- Segmentation faults or crashes at startup

These failures are caused by ABI incompatibilities between Python versions.

---

### Recommended Usage

Distroless Python images are best suited for:

- Pure-Python applications
- Minimal dependencies
- Environments where Python version alignment is guaranteed

For applications with native extensions (e.g. numpy, pandas, torch, ML workloads),
consider using `python:<version>-slim` images instead.

---

### Execution Model

Distroless images do not include a shell or PATH resolution. Commands must use
absolute paths when invoking the Python interpreter:
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@gemini-code-assist gemini-code-assist Bot Jan 4, 2026

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medium

The statement Commands must use absolute paths when invoking the Python interpreter: is a bit strong and could be confusing. The examples/python3 directory shows a CMD with a relative path (["hello.py", "/etc"]) that works because of the base image's ENTRYPOINT and WORKDIR.

To make this clearer and avoid contradiction, I suggest rephrasing to explain why absolute paths are recommended, while acknowledging that other patterns can work. For example, you could mention the default ENTRYPOINT and then present the absolute path CMD as a more robust alternative:

Distroless images do not include a shell. The python3 image has a default ENTRYPOINT of python3, so you can provide a script as a CMD. However, for maximum clarity and to avoid ambiguity, we recommend using absolute paths for the interpreter in your CMD:

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@kaushalacts kaushalacts Jan 4, 2026

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Thank you for the detailed review and the kind feedback — much appreciated.

Good catch on the wording in the Execution Model section. You’re absolutely right
that the python3 image’s default ENTRYPOINT allows providing a script via CMD,
as shown in the examples/python3 directory.

I agree that the current phrasing is too strong and could be confusing.
I’ll update the section to:

  • Acknowledge the default ENTRYPOINT behavior
  • Explain that absolute interpreter paths are a recommended, more explicit pattern,
    rather than a strict requirement

I’ll push a small revision shortly to reflect this. Thanks again for the guidance.


```dockerfile
CMD ["/usr/bin/python3", "-m", "your_module"]