Installing or updating Python can sometimes be a little tricky and it’s confusing to understand which version is actually installed. Don’t worry in this tutorial we show you how to handle that. One of the downsides of Python is setting up the environment in a correct way and the fact that there are a multitude of installation methods can make the beginner unsure about which Python version is installed.
If you install Visual Studio Code it cannot guarantee that your configuration is in the right place when the time comes to code and run your scripts.
Common ways to install Python
You can download official Python distributions from Python.org, install from a package manager, and even install specialized distributions for scientific computing, Internet of Things, and embedded systems.
This tutorial focuses on official distributions, as they’re generally the best option for getting started with learning to program in Python.
In this tutorial you’ll learn how to:
- Check which version of Python, if any, is installed on your machine
- Install or update Python on Windows, macOS, and Linux
This is different depending on your operating system. There’s also the option of using Anaconda or even pyenv.
Depending on your use case I’d recommend different options.
Install Python as a beginner for the first time
This method is common for beginners and applies regardless of operating system you are running. The process the most recognizable for newcomers and is highly recommended.
- Go to python.org/downloads
- Select the correct version for your operating system. The site should handle it automatically for you. It will look something like the following
Proceed to installing and following the default instructions of the installer.
If you are on Windows, then go to the Start Menu and search for “IDLE”. That should start the default Python interpreter window.
If you are on MacOS then use Spotlight (Command + Space) and search for “IDLE”. Or use Finder to go to Applications -> IDLE
If you are on Linux then you probably need to unzip the artifact/package just downloaded, or in the best case the installer is ready made to just double click.
If you are using Linux
If you are following from the section above, and you are not able to double click the package, then you must probably unzip the package with a tool like, tar, bunzip, gunzip.
If you’re diving right into the terminal, lets first of all check which Python version your Linux distribution comes with.
Sometimes you may have python, python2 or python3 command available, or sometimes all of them. You can check the system Python version as the following
$ python --version
$ python2 --version
$ python3 --version
If any command gives an error, then you don’t have that version installed.
Easier would be, if you type which python then your terminal will show which binary is executed and linked to that python command — given that it exists on your system of course.
If you are using Ubuntu then go ahead and do the following.
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install python3If the above raises an error, then you need to find which Python-version exists in your package manager and use that when you install. First search for the correct name like this.
$ apt search pythonIf you are using Windows
Installing on Windows can get a bit complicated, but this guide will hopefully sort things out for you. The most simple method is to go to http://python.org/downloads and download the latest Python version for Windows. If you’re just a beginner then Windows also offers a very simple method through their Microsoft Store. None of these steps below are necessary if you followed the steps in the first section of this post
Install Python via The Microsoft Store method
Open up Microsoft Store and search for Python. Select the latest version and install it.
Do you already have a Python version installed?
- Open Powershell by going to Start menu
- Type in PowerShell, see screenshot
- Type the following in the new PowerShell window:
python --version
If you don’t get an error from the last step, then you should see the Python version installed on your Windows system. In this case you don’t need to do anything more.
Step 1 – Locate and open PowerShell
Step 2 – Check Python version if it’s installed
Step 3 – Decide installation method
If you don’t have Python installed already then go ahead and either download Python from the official website or the Microsoft Store
Step 4 – Open up IDLE
This step is the same as earlier, you can start the IDLE program by going to the Start menu and typing “IDLE” like the screenshot below. You see that I have several versions of Python installed at the same time, this is not a problem at all.
EXTRA – Try online editors for Python
You can also try to experiment with Python without installing anything on your computer. Click the following site for example
https://www.python.org/shell/
https://repl.it – advanced