[Python-modules-team] Bug#524073: python-numpy: please split atlas support into an optional package

[Neil Williams]

Package: python-numpy
Version: 1:1.2.1-1
Severity: normal

In #489253, ATLAS support was re-enabled.

In #519233, python-gtk2 was made to depend on python-numpy.

The net result is that something as small and simple as wicd now depends
on libgfortran and libblas in unstable.

I ran my own systems for some time without python-numpy, it was only that
one issue in the sodoku game. I don't think that is sufficient justification
for adding such a huge dependency chain like ATLAS.

I was going to recommend wicd as the wireless network support tool for
Emdebian Grip but I cannot do that if that means installing fortran!

Making fortran essential for all GUI python support isn't going to help
developments like openmoko or other embedded / small machine purposes.

-- System Information:
Debian Release: squeeze/sid
  APT prefers unstable
  APT policy: (500, 'unstable'), (500, 'testing')
Architecture: amd64 (x86_64)

Kernel: Linux 2.6.26-1-amd64 (SMP w/2 CPU cores)
Locale: LANG=en_GB.UTF-8, LC_CTYPE=en_GB.UTF-8 (charmap=UTF-8) (ignored: LC_ALL set to en_GB.UTF-8)
Shell: /bin/sh linked to /bin/bash

Versions of packages python-numpy depends on:
ii  libblas3gf [libblas.so.3gf]   1.2-2      Basic Linear Algebra Subroutines 3
ii  libc6                         2.9-7      GNU C Library: Shared libraries
ii  libgcc1                       1:4.3.3-5  GCC support library
ii  libgfortran3                  4.3.3-5    Runtime library for GNU Fortran ap
ii  liblapack3gf [liblapack.so.3g 3.2.0-3    library of linear algebra routines
ii  python                        2.5.4-2    An interactive high-level object-o
ii  python-central                0.6.11     register and build utility for Pyt

python-numpy recommends no packages.

Versions of packages python-numpy suggests:
ii  python-nose                   0.10.4-2   test discovery and running for Pyt
pn  python-numpy-dbg              <none>     (no description available)
pn  python-numpy-doc              <none>     (no description available)

-- no debconf information