How to Install Python on Linux: Easy Guide

Python is a versatile and powerful programming language that has become incredibly popular for a range of software development projects, from web applications to data science. Its simplicity and readability make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced developers. If you are using a Linux system, installing Python can be straightforward. This guide will take you step-by-step through the process, ensuring you can get started with Python programming efficiently. Moreover, we’ll cover some post-installation steps to verify and configure your Python environment, providing a complete setup experience.

Installing Python on Linux

The Python package is generally included in most Linux distributions. However, the version installed might not be the latest one. Therefore, it is always a good idea to ensure you’re working with the latest stable Python release, or at least the version you need for your project.

Step 1: Check If Python Is Already Installed

Before you begin installing Python, it is wise to check whether it is already installed on your system and what version it is. Open your terminal and type the following command:


python3 --version

or


python --version

The output for this command might look something like:


Python 3.8.10

If you see a similar output indicating a Python 3.x version, Python is already installed on your system. However, if the version is not what you need, or if Python is not installed, you’ll need to proceed with the installation.

Step 2: Update and Install Prerequisites

Before installing Python, it’s a good practice to update your package list to ensure you have the latest information from the repositories. This can be done with the following commands:


sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Next, install the prerequisites needed to compile Python source code. Use the following command:


sudo apt install build-essential libssl-dev zlib1g-dev libbz2-dev libreadline-dev libsqlite3-dev wget curl llvm libncurses5-dev libncursesw5-dev xz-utils tk-dev libffi-dev liblzma-dev python-openssl git

These packages are essential for building Python from source if you choose to go that route.

Step 3: Install Python Using the APT Package Manager

The Advanced Package Tool (APT) is a powerful package management system used by Debian-based Linux distributions. To install the latest version available from the distribution repositories, run the following command:


sudo apt install python3

To ensure the latest version specific to your distribution repositories is installed, you should also install ‘pip’ (Python’s package installer) to manage Python packages:


sudo apt install python3-pip

After the installation, confirm the installed version:


python3 --version

The terminal should reflect the version you installed, for example:


Python 3.9.7

Step 4: Alternative Installation Using pyenv

Sometimes, you might need to install multiple Python versions side-by-side to support different projects. `pyenv` is a great tool to manage multiple Python versions and switch between them as needed.

First, install dependencies:


curl https://pyenv.run | bash

Once installed, ensure that pyenv is set up correctly in your shell configuration file (e.g., .bashrc, .bash_profile, or .zshrc) by adding these lines:


export PATH="$HOME/.pyenv/bin:$PATH"
eval "$(pyenv init --path)"
eval "$(pyenv virtualenv-init -)"

Reload your shell configuration or restart your terminal. Then, you can install the desired Python version:


pyenv install 3.9.7
pyenv global 3.9.7

Again, check the Python version to confirm:


python --version

This method provides the flexibility for managing multiple versions and creating virtual environments tailored to project needs.

Post-Installation Steps

Verify Python Installation

To check whether Python and pip have been correctly installed, use the following commands:


python3 --version
pip3 --version

Ensure both commands return valid version numbers to confirm the successful installation.

Install Virtual Environment

It’s good practice to use virtual environments to manage dependencies specific to your Python projects:


sudo apt install python3-venv

Create a new virtual environment using:


python3 -m venv my_project_env

Activate the virtual environment with:


source my_project_env/bin/activate

In an active virtual environment, installed packages using pip will be contained within it, providing a clean and isolated environment for your project.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you have successfully installed Python on your Linux system. Whether you opted for APT or pyenv, you are now equipped with the tools necessary to explore Python’s extensive functionality. Maintaining an up-to-date Python environment and managing dependencies through virtual environments will serve you well as you develop Python applications. Happy coding!

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.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top