What is the difference between python.exe, python3.exe, and python3.6.exe?

Question

I just installed the 64 bit edition of ActivePython 3.6, and discovered that it contains three executable files that report identical version information and are the same size, but not entirely identical, peer fc.exe. I have

• python.exe
• python3.exe
• python3.6.exe

Though I could probably use something along the lines of ProcMon to figure out whether python.exe is just a stub, but before I expend that much effort, I thought that I would inquire here.

Please be forewarned that I'll be posting this same question, under exactly the same title, on The Code Project, on the assumption that its audience doesn't completely overlap this one.

Answer 1

These are all interchangeable, so no worries. They are needed for compatibility based on different system setups. ActivePython has a long history and builds on multiple platforms, so all precautions are taken.