[postgis-users] Can we use PostgreSQL/PostGIS without Python?

[kreshna_iceheart at yahoo.com]

I just compiled PostgreSQL to use with PostGIS. After doing make, I got the following error(s):
make[3]: *** [plpython.o] Error 1
make[3]: Leaving directory `/usr/local/postgresql-8.3.5/src/pl/plpython'
make[2]: *** [all] Error 1
make[2]: Leaving directory `/usr/local/postgresql-8.3.5/src/pl'
make[1]: *** [all] Error 2
make[1]: Leaving directory `/usr/local/postgresql-8.3.5/src'
make: *** [all] Error 2

Scrolling up the make messages, I found the following:
make[3]: Entering directory `/usr/local/postgresql-8.3.5/src/pl/plpython'
gcc -O2 -Wall -Wmissing-prototypes -Wpointer-arith -Winline -Wdeclaration-after-statement -Wendif-labels -fno-strict-aliasing -fwrapv -fpic -I. -I/usr/include/python2.3 -I../../../src/include -D_GNU_SOURCE   -c -o plpython.o plpython.c
plpython.c:23:20: Python.h: No such file or directory
plpython.c:67:21: compile.h: No such file or directory
plpython.c:68:18: eval.h: No such file or directory

I then run whereis python, and there is no such thing as /usr/include/python2.3. Python only exists in /usr/bin/, /usr/lib/, and /usr/man/.

I eventually decided to skip python (./configure --without-python), and everything runs well. However, can postGIS run without Python? I also plan to use geos and proj4 with PostGIS; can they run without Python?

What is the worst thing can happen when running PostgreSQL without Python?

Many thanks,
-Kresh