undefined symbol: PyUnicodeUCS2_Decode whilst trying to install psycopg2

Question

I\'m getting an error whilst trying to install psycopg2 on ubuntu 9.10 64 bit.

The error is:

>>> import psycopg2
Traceback (most recent call         


        

Answer 1

I had the same error when importing bx.intervals from bx-python:

undefined symbol: PyUnicodeUCS2_Decode

However, the python version I was using was already compiled with ucs4. Apparently, bx-python was built against a python version that was compiled with ucs2. So I had to recompile python in the opposite way described by the OP: ./configure --enable-unicode=ucs2.

Answer 2

In my case, using bash shell I had no issue and with csh faced this issue. Realized have multiple version of python installed. one defaulting in /usr/local/bin worked vs one in /bin exhibited the issue. Point being before you think you need to recompile with admin help check if you have any alternate version of python installed.

Answer 3

fixed it.

I had to recompile python with --enable-unicode=ucs4.

Still not clear why as the default version on ubuntu uses ucs4.

Answer 4

Like you say, your Python has been built UCS4. But the psycopg2 you're trying to install has been built against a Python built UCS2. Find one or build one against UCS4.