title: Python Version (sys.version) Meaning?
body: <p>I've hit what should be a basic question... but my googles are failing me and I need a sanity check.  </p>
  
  <p>If I run the following in my Python shell:</p>
  
  <pre><code>&gt;&gt;&gt; import sys
  &gt;&gt;&gt; sys.version
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>from two different Python environments, I get:</p>
  
  <pre><code>'2.7.8 (default, Nov 10 2014, 08:19:18) \n[GCC 4.9.2 20141101 (Red Hat 4.9.2-1)]'
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>and...</p>
  
  <pre><code>'2.7.8 (default, Apr 15 2015, 09:26:43) \n[GCC 4.9.2 20150212 (Red Hat 4.9.2-6)]'
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Does that mean the two environments are actually running slightly different Python guts or is it enough that the '2.7.8' bit in that version string is the same so I can be confident these are 1:1 identical Python interpreters?  </p>
  
  <p>If I am guaranteed they are the same, then what's the significance of the date and other parts of that version output string?</p>