How Can I Set the Driver's Python Version in Apache Spark?

To set the driver’s Python version in Apache Spark, you can use the `PYSPARK_PYTHON` and `PYSPARK_DRIVER_PYTHON` environment variables. This is particularly useful when you have multiple versions of Python installed on your machine and want to specify a particular version for running your PySpark application.

Contents hide

1 Setting the Driver’s Python Version

1.1 Using Environment Variables in a Script

1.2 Specifying in the Code

1.3 Using spark-submit Command

2 Conclusion

3 About Editorial Team

4 You Might Also Like:

Setting the Driver’s Python Version

Here is a detailed explanation of how to set these environment variables:

Using Environment Variables in a Script

One of the simplest ways to set the driver’s Python version is to export the environment variables before running a PySpark script. Below is an example for a Unix-like system:


# Set Python version for both driver and executors
export PYSPARK_PYTHON=/usr/bin/python3.8
export PYSPARK_DRIVER_PYTHON=/usr/bin/python3.8

# Run the PySpark script
pyspark

For Windows, you can set the environment variables in the Command Prompt:


set PYSPARK_PYTHON=C:\Python38\python.exe
set PYSPARK_DRIVER_PYTHON=C:\Python38\python.exe

# Run the PySpark script
pyspark

Specifying in the Code

You can also set the Python version programmatically within your PySpark script using the `os` module and `pyspark.SparkConf`. Below is an example:


import os
from pyspark import SparkConf, SparkContext

# Set the environment variables programmatically
os.environ['PYSPARK_PYTHON'] = '/usr/bin/python3.8'
os.environ['PYSPARK_DRIVER_PYTHON'] = '/usr/bin/python3.8'

# Create Spark Config and Context
conf = SparkConf().setAppName("ExampleApp")
sc = SparkContext(conf=conf)

# Your Spark code goes here
rdd = sc.parallelize([1, 2, 3, 4, 5])
print(rdd.collect())
sc.stop()

Output:


[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Using spark-submit Command

If you are running your Spark jobs using the `spark-submit` command, you can also pass the environment variables directly in the command line:


PYSPARK_PYTHON=/usr/bin/python3.8 PYSPARK_DRIVER_PYTHON=/usr/bin/python3.8 spark-submit your_script.py

For Windows:


set PYSPARK_PYTHON=C:\Python38\python.exe
set PYSPARK_DRIVER_PYTHON=C:\Python38\python.exe
spark-submit your_script.py

Conclusion

By setting the `PYSPARK_PYTHON` and `PYSPARK_DRIVER_PYTHON` environment variables, you can control the Python version used by the PySpark driver and executors. This is crucial for ensuring compatibility and maintaining the consistency of your PySpark applications.

About Editorial Team

Our Editorial Team is made up of tech enthusiasts who are highly skilled in Apache Spark, PySpark, and Machine Learning. They are also proficient in Python, Pandas, R, Hive, PostgreSQL, Snowflake, and Databricks. They aren't just experts; they are passionate teachers. They are dedicated to making complex data concepts easy to understand through engaging and simple tutorials with examples.

How Can I Set the Driver’s Python Version in Apache Spark?