default python not finding same modules that other pythons can. Any suggestions?
Question: Not sure how to explain it and can't seem to figure out why this is happening
but I tried to install 'MySQLdb' from macports.

When I type 'python' and `import MySQLdb`, then it fails but when I launch
python from `/opt/local/bin/python2.7` and do the same then it works
perfectly. I thought I'd be smart and see where the default python is pointing
to and then point it to this one but thats when it starts getting strange.

    
    
    $ which python
    /opt/local/bin/python
    
    $ ls -l /opt/local/bin/python
    lrwxr-xr-x  1 root  admin  24 Feb 13 13:55 /opt/local/bin/python -> /opt/local/bin/python2.7
    

I don't understand, it seems to be pointing the the one that works but I can't
load the same module as I can when I open python with the full path.

I'm sure I'm doing something dumb, so any help to explain why this is
happening would be great.

    
    
    Python 2.7.2 (v2.7.2:8527427914a2, Jun 11 2011, 15:22:34) 
    [GCC 4.2.1 (Apple Inc. build 5666) (dot 3)] on darwin
    Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
    >>> import MySQLdb
    Traceback (most recent call last):
      File "<stdin>", line 1, in <module>
      File "MySQLdb/__init__.py", line 19, in <module>
        import _mysql
    ImportError: No module named _mysql
    


Answer: The Python version banner you show is from yet another Python, that of the
python.org 2.7.2 64-bit/32-bit installer downloaded from python.org. It is not
a MacPorts Python. There should be a symlink to it at
`/usr/local/bin/python2.7`. Apparently, the PATH environment variable in the
terminal session you are using is not what you think it is or possibly you
have a shell alias defined. Try:

    
    
    echo $PATH
    

You need to ensure that the MacPorts Python directory (`/opt/local/bin`) comes
before that of the python.org Python
(`/Library/Frameworks/Python.frameworks/Version/2.7/bin` or `/usr/local/bin`).

UPDATE: Also check the current value of the MacPorts `port select` command. It
may be pointing at a non MacPorts Python.

    
    
    $ sudo port select --list python
    Available versions for python:
        none
        python25-apple
        python26-apple
        python27 (active)
        python27-apple
        python32
    

