# Use an alternative Python interpreter

You can use a Python interpreter that is different from the one provided with your Spotfire installation by uploading it in a Spotfire package.

You can create a Spotfire package (SPK) containing an alternative Python interpreter from either a Windows computer or a Linux computer. You can then upload the SPK to the Spotfire Server deployment area for distribution to the computers running the node managers, or for distribution to users connected to the Spotfire Server running Spotfire Analyst.

- If your node manager is running on a Windows server, then you can create an SPK containing the Python interpreter from a Windows computer where the alternative Python interpreter is installed.
- If your node manager is running on a Windows server, but you want to keep your installation of Python "pristine", then you can create a virtual environment where you can create the SPK for the alternative interpreter.
- If your node manager is running on a Linux server, then you can create the SPK containing the alternative Python interpreter from the Linux computer that is running the node manager, and where both the default Python interpreter and the alternative Python interpreter are installed. You can also create the SPK from a Windows computer and then deploy it to your Spotfire Server for distribution to your node manager running on Linux.

This section provides instruction for packaging and uploading the alternative Python interpreter for all of those cases.

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