Python OpenCV under Cygwin on Windows

Cygwin 2.8 only has obsolete OpenCV 2.4 built-in–here’s a workaround to setup OpenCV 3.x on Cygwin for Python.

Using Windows Python OpenCV from Cygwin

assuming you’re using Anaconda Python in Windows.

1. in Cygwin add to ~/.bashrc the line

    alias pythonwin="/cygdrive/c/Anaconda/python.exe -u"
   

2. install OpenCV for Windows Anaconda Python.
3. upon opening a new Cygwin Terminal, you can use Windows Python from Cygwin.

Other OpenCV on Cygwin alternatives

• details of compiling OpenCV under patched Cygwin I haven’t tried this.
• use Windows Subsystem for Linux with Anaconda Python for OpenCV.