Import error: bad magic number in 'issmversion'

clairewcook

Hi,
I'm trying to use ISSM for the first time, using the python interface. I got the pre-compiled binaries and followed the instructions to add ISSM to the path. I then tested by trying 'from issmversion import issmversion'. I got this error message:
ImportError: bad magic number in 'issmversion': b'\x03\xf3\r\n'

I'm guessing this is due to a mismatch in python versions, though I saw in the changelog that python 3 has been supported since version 4.16 (I have tried this with python 3.6 and 3.7 and ISSM 4.18). Any suggestions for solving this error? (either with python 3, or I could make an environment with whatever the right version of python 2 is).

Thanks,
Claire

mathieumorlighem

Hello Claire
The binaries are compiled for Python 2.7 unfortunately. There are 2 workarounds: you can install from source, or you can use the MATLAB interface. I highly recommend that you use MATLAB, ISSM is much better maintained than on the python side and you have access to more features.
I hope this helps
Mathieu

justinquinn

mathieumorlighem Python 2.7 is well past EOL at this point. Should I modify the configuration to compile against Python 3?

clairewcook

Okay, I got the MATLAB version working, so I'll use that. Thanks!

mathieumorlighem

Awesome, you won't regret it 🙂

mathieumorlighem

@justinquinn I think so yes... but let's confirm at the next ISSM meeting first