(How to Install Python on Linux) Python functions as an essential programming language that supports diverse web development capabilities besides enabling data science work and automation tasks and many other processes.
The process of installing Python on Linux systems becomes simple through various installation methods that match the requirements of your Linux distribution. This guide demonstrates the specific steps needed to install Python through package managers as well as source-based methods and version management with Pyenv.
Method 1: Installing Python Using Package Managers
Package managers provide swift installation and upgrade capabilities to Python on most Linux distributions installed by default. Different Linux distributions require the installation instructions listed below.
For Ubuntu/Debian-based Distributions
- Update the package list:
- Install Python 3:
- Verify the installation:
For Fedora-based Distributions
- Update system packages:
- Install Python 3:
- Verify the installation:
For Arch Linux
- Update package list and install Python:
- Verify the installation:
Method 2: Installing Python from Source
Installing Python from the source allows you to get the latest version and customize the installation process. This method is useful if the version you need is not available in your distribution’s repositories.
Step 1: Install Dependencies
Before compiling Python from source, you need to install the required dependencies.
- For Debian/Ubuntu-based systems:
- For Fedora-based systems:
Step 2: Download Python Source Code
Visit the official Python website and download the latest stable version. Alternatively, you can use wget to download it directly in the terminal. For example:
(Replace 3.x.y with the latest version number.)
Step 3: Extract and Compile Python
- Extract the downloaded tarball:
- Change into the directory:
- Run the configuration script:
- Compile and install Python:
Step 4: Verify the Installation
Method 3: Installing Python via Pyenv
Pyenv is a great tool for managing multiple versions of Python on your system. This method is useful if you need different Python versions for various projects and want to switch between them easily.
Step 1: Install Dependencies
First, install the dependencies required for building Python using Pyenv:
Step 2: Install Pyenv
Install Pyenv using the following command:
Step 3: Update Shell Configuration
Add the following lines to your ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc file:
Then, restart the shell:
Step 4: Install a Specific Python Version
You can now install a specific Python version using Pyenv:
Step 5: Verify the Installation
Conclusion
Users of Linux operating systems have multiple basic procedures to select when adding Python to their OS depending on their specific needs. Users who want to install Python on Linux systems can take advantage of system package managers including apt, dnf, or pacman because these tools deliver quick along with automatic setups.
Users who desire an operational Python environment will find this installation method perfect because it eliminates concerns about version acquisition and configuration customization. The main issue with package managers is their inability to supply developers with the most recent Python version which contains modern features they need for their work.
When users require the most recent Python version they should consider the source compilation as their preferred option. Users can turn their Python setup into an optimized and customized system through manual code compilation after dependency downloading and build configuration but this method requires additional manual steps.
Developers whose projects rely on exclusive Python versions or performance-enhancing optimizations will find this method particularly useful because such functionalities do not exist in pre-compiled versions. The management solution Pyenv enables users to operate multiple Python versions on their system independently.
The development environment tool Pyenv enables developers to change between multiple Python versions for different projects with great ease.
The workflow remains balanced because this system resolves conflicts between project-specific Python versions and system Python versions. Different applications working with various Python versions benefit from this helpful solution.
