title: How to compile python from source and get a clean/minimal install?
body: <p>If you follow the simple <code>configure</code> -> <code>make</code> -> <code>make install</code> process for compiling python from source code, you end up with a very large install that includes a whole lot of files that are not necessary for a functional python environment.  eg: All <code>.py</code> files are left in the installation (not just the <code>.pyc</code> or <code>.pyo</code> files), all the unit tests are carried over for each library in the lib folders, man pages are included, etc.</p>
  
  <p>Is there a canned way (make option?) to ignore or strip out the 'unnecessary' files during the install process so you are left with a minimalist, but fully functional, python distribution?</p>
  
  <p>If no pre-made procedure, what files can be stripped out, while being certain that the installation will still work on the machine it was installed?</p>