If I want to install WinPython 3.14 as released in the latest release available (2025-05 post1 release), I have 9 choices available :

1. WinPython64-3.14.2.0dot_post1.exe
2. WinPython64-3.14.2.0dot_post1.zip
3. WinPython64-3.14.2.0free_post1.exe
4. WinPython64-3.14.2.0free_post1.zip
5. WinPython64-3.14.2.0slimf_post1.exe
6. WinPython64-3.14.2.0slimf_post1.zip
7. WinPython64-3.14.2.0slim_post1.7z
8. WinPython64-3.14.2.0slim_post1.exe
9. WinPython64-3.14.2.0whl_post1.7z

This is bonkers !!!

I understand reading https://winpython.github.io/ that some choices are duplicates (with a zip or 7z version and an exe version), but that's about it. How am I supposed to choose which of these version is appropriate for my needs ? There is no explanation whatsoever on https://winpython.github.io/ nor on https://github.com/winpython/winpython/releases/tag/17.2.20251222post1 about the differences between the 5 choices (dot, free, slimf, slim and whl) and the two packagings (zip or 7z vs exe).

Could you please provide a simple explanation between the different choices you provide ?

Something like :

1. the dot version installs a minimal version of Winpython. The free version is the same with free threading enabled. You can install packages later using the WinPython Package Management application.
2. the slim version installs Pandoc and every package available for WinPython. The slimf version is the same with free threading enabled.
3. the whl version installs a minimal version and ready to install wheels.

Each version (except the whl) is available either as an exe file or as a zip (or 7z) file.

A few more things :

1. Why provide a zip (or 7z) and and exe version for dot/free/slim/slimf WinPython ? What's the difference between the zip (or 7z) and the exe release ? Which release would you recommand the average user download ? Why use zip for some and 7z for some other, by the way ?
2. What is the difference between naked Python and free threaded Python ? Could you explain it in a few words ? Which version would you recommand to the average user today ? Why ?
3. What is Pandoc ? What's the purpose of installing pandoc with WinPython ?
4. Is it appropriate to have a slim version of WinPython when the so called slim version seems to be the fatest version available ?
5. In my opinion, the page https://winpython.github.io/ should feature the latest release of Wynpython. Previous releases should be available on a separate page