[Python-modules-team] Why to bytecompile packages before distribution?

[anatoly techtonik]

Hello,

Debian Python page in wiki sounds like Python code should be compiled
in bytecode to be executed and because there can be several Python
versions we need to bytecompile packages for each of them.
http://wiki.debian.org/DebianPython?action=recall&rev=11

Why Python packages are required to be bytecompiled before redistribution?
Why can't they be distributed in pure python form and bytecompiled on arrival?


--anatoly t.