This guide explains how to install Python on Linux machines. Python has become an essential programming language for developers, data scientists, and system administrators. It's used for various applications, including web development, data science, automation, and machine learning.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of installing Python on your Linux system, covering everything from basic package management to advanced installation methods.
All Methods to Install Python on LinuxMajor Versions of Python
When installing Python, it’s important to understand the two major versions:
- Python 2: A legacy version no longer maintained. Avoid using it for new projects.
- Python 3: The actively maintained version with enhanced features. Ideal for modern applications.
Tip: Always prioritize Python 3 for new projects.
Pre-Installation Checklist
Before starting the installation process, ensure you have:
- Root Access: Sudo privileges to install software.
- Terminal Access: Familiarity with the command line.
- Internet Connection: Active internet access for downloading packages.
- Disk Space: At least 200MB available.
- Command-Line Basics: Understanding of simple terminal commands.
First, Check if Python is Already Installed on Linux
Many Linux distributions come with Python pre-installed. Knowing if Python is pre-installed saves time and avoids duplicate installations.
Note: If Python is installed, the terminal will display its version number. If not, the terminal will return a "command not found" error, indicating that Python needs to be installed.
Step 1: Open Terminal
Open your terminal window using the shortcut key Ctrl + Alt + T
Step 2: Check for Python Version
For Python 3
Use the following command to verify the Pre-Installed Python 3 Version in your Linux Laptiop.
python3 --version
For Python 2
Use the following command to check the Pre-Installed Python 2 Version in your Linux Environment.
python --version
Method 1: Installing Python using Package Managers (For Beginners)
This the simplest and most common method of installing Python. Package managers are essential tools in Linux distributions that handle the installation, upgrading, and removal of software packages. Each Linux distribution has its preferred package manager.
Installing Python For Ubuntu/Debian Based Systems using APT
APT (Advanced Package Tool) is the default package manager for Ubuntu and Debian-based systems, known for its Extensive package repository, Strong security features, Stable package versions, and Regular security updates.
Step 1: Update Package Repository
Note: Always start with this step to prevent version conflicts.
The following command will refreshes your system's package database to ensure you get the latest version.
sudo apt update
Step 2: Upgrade Existing Packages
Note: This step prevents compatibility issues by updating all installed software.
Updates all installed packages to their latest versions.
sudo apt upgrade
Step 3: Install Python 3
This commands Installs the default Python 3 version for your.
sudo apt install python3
Step 4: Install Python Package Manager (pip)
Pip is essential for managing Python libraries and dependencies. This command Installs pip for managing Python packages and dependencies.
sudo apt install python3-pip
Provides tools for creating virtual environments and compiling Python extensions.
sudo apt install python3-dev python3-venv build-essential
Errors and Fixes
Permission Denied Errors
This command will Fixe common permission issues with pip installations.
sudo chown -R $USER:$USER ~/.local
Package Lock Errors
This command Resolves package manager lock issues.
sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/lock
sudo rm /var/cache/apt/archives/lock
Set up Python For Fedora Linux Systems using DNF
DNF (Dandified Yum) is the next-generation package manager for Red Hat-based systems, including Fedora, CentOS, and RHEL. Known for its enhanced performance, DNF is particularly effective for managing dependencies and ensuring system stability.
Step 1: Update System Package List
The following command will refreshes your system's package database to ensure you get the latest version.
sudo dnf update
Step 2: Install Python 3
This commands Installs the default Python version with necessary dependencies.
sudo dnf install python3
This commands Installs compilers and libraries required for Python development.
sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools"
Step 4: Install pip
This command installs Installs the Python package manager.
sudo dnf install python3-pip
Erros and Fixes: Red Hat/Fedora Systems
Slow Downloads: If DNF is slow
This command Improves download speed by increasing parallel connections.
echo 'max_parallel_downloads=10' | sudo tee -a /etc/dnf/dnf.conf
Repository Issues on CentOS
This Resolves issues with outdated or misconfigured repositories.
sudo yum clean all
sudo yum repolist
How to Install Latest Python on Arch Linux using Pacman
Pacman is the default package manager for Arch Linux, offering a rolling release model, Latest software versions, Simple and fast package management, and Minimal overhead.
Step 1: Update System
Synchronizes package repositories and updates your system.
sudo pacman -Syu
Step 2: Install Python
Installs the latest available Python version.
sudo pacman -S python
Step 3: Install pip
Adds pip for Python library management.
sudo pacman -S python-pip
Errors and Fixes: Red Hat/Fedora Systems
Package Conflicts
Removes conflicting packages safely.
sudo pacman -Rns conflicting-package
How to install Python on CentOS and Red Hat Linux
YUM offers Enterprise-grade stability, Long-term support, Extensive documentation, Commercial support options.
Step 1: Update System
Updates the package database and installed packages.
sudo yum update
Step 2: Enable EPEL Repository
Enables Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux repository.
sudo yum install epel-release
Step 3: Install Python 3
Installs Python 3 from the repository.
sudo yum install python3
Errors and Fixes: CentOS/RHEL Using YUM
Repository Issues: Cleans and verifies repository configuration.
sudo yum clean all
sudo yum repolist
Installing Newest Python on openSUSE using Zypper
Zypper provides Advanced package management, Strong dependency resolution, Integration with YaST, and Enterprise support options.
Step 1: Update Repositories
Updates package repository information.
sudo zypper refresh
Step 2: Install Python
Installs Python 3 and basic dependencies.
sudo zypper install python3
Installs Python development files.
sudo zypper install python3-devel
Fixes and Errors: openSUSE Using Zypper
Repository Conflicts: Resolves repository and cache issues.
sudo zypper clean
sudo zypper refresh
Best Practices When Intsalling Python on Linux
- Always Update First Before installing Python, update your system's package database and existing packages.
- After installation, verify Python and pip are correctly installed.
Method 2: Installing Python Using Version Managers (For Developers)
Python Version managers like Pyenv and asdf are for developers who need to work with multiple Python versions. This provide the flexibility to switch between different Python versions easily, creating isolated environments, and managing project-specific dependencies effectively.
Install Latest Python Version with Pyenv
Pyenv is a lightweight Python version management tool which is popular among developers, as it manages multiple Python versions easily.
Step 1: Install Dependencies
It Provides libraries required to compile Python.
sudo apt install -y build-essential libssl-dev zlib1g-dev \
libsqlite3-dev libffi-dev
Step 2: Install Pyenv
Downloads and installs Pyenv on your system.
curl https://pyenv.run/ | bash
This command installs Pyenv along with useful plugins like pyenv-virtualenv and pyenv-update.
Sets up your shell environment to work with pyenv.
echo 'export PYENV_ROOT="$HOME/.pyenv"' >> ~/.bashrc
echo 'command -v pyenv >/dev/null || export PATH="$PYENV_ROOT/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc
echo 'eval "$(pyenv init -)"' >> ~/.bashrc
Step 4: Reload Shell Configuration
Activates the new shell configuration.
source ~/.bashrc
Step 5: Install Python
To see a list of available Python versions, run:
pyenv install --list
Choose a version you want to install (e.g., Python 3.13.1) and run:
pyenv install -v 3.13.1
The -v flag enables verbose mode, showing detailed output during installation
Step 6: Set Global or Local Python Version
After installation, you can set the global Python version that will be used by default:
pyenv global <version>
Alternatively, you can set a local version for a specific project directory:
pyenv local <version>
Step 7: Verify Installation
To confirm that the installation was successful, check the installed version of Python:
python --version
Errors and Fixes: Pyenv Installation and Setup for Python Installation
Build Failures: Resolves common build optimization issues.
CFLAGS="-O2" pyenv install 3.12.1
SSL Errors: Fixes SSL-related installation problems.
sudo apt install libssl-dev
Install Python using asdf on Linux System
asdf is a versatile version manager that allows you to manage multiple versions of various programming languages, including Python. Here’s how to install Python using asdf on a Linux system:
Step 1: Install asdf
1. Install Dependencies
Ensure you have git and curl installed on your system. You can install them using your package manager.
sudo apt update
sudo apt install git curl
2. Clone the asdf Repository
Open your terminal and run:
git clone https://github.com/asdf-vm/asdf ~/.asdf --branch v0.13.1
Add the following lines to your shell configuration file (e.g., ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc):
. "$HOME/.asdf/asdf.sh"
. "$HOME/.asdf/completions/asdf.bash" (for bash users)
For Zsh users, replace .bash with .zsh
Step 3: Install the Python Plugin
asdf plugin-add python
Step 4: Reload Your Shell
Run the following command to apply the changes:
source ~/.bashrc # or source ~/.zshrc for Zsh users
Step 5: Install the Python Plugin
Run the following command to add the Python plugin to asdf:
asdf plugin-add python
Step 6: Install Python Versions
1. List available versions:
asdf list-all python
2. You can now install a specific version of Python (for example, 3.11.4) by running:
asdf install python <version>
3. To install multiple versions at once, you can chain commands:
asdf install python 3.10.15 && asdf install python 3.9.9
Step 7: Set Global or Local Python Version
To set a global version of Python that will be used system-wide, run:
asdf global python 3.13.1
If you want to set a specific version for a project directory, navigate to that directory and run:
cd your_project_directory
asdf local python 3.13.1
Step 8: Verify Installation
To confirm that the installation was successful, check the installed version of Python:
python --version
Installing Python Using Conda and Miniconda on Linux
Miniconda is a lightweight version of Anaconda that includes only Conda and its dependencies, allowing you to install Python and manage packages effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing Python using Miniconda on a Linux system.
Step 1: Download Miniconda Installer
- Open your terminal.
- Download the Miniconda installer for Linux. You can use wget or curl. For example:
wget https://repo.anaconda.com/miniconda/Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh
Step 2: Verify the Installer (Optional)
It's a good practice to verify the integrity of the installer. You can find the hash values on the Miniconda website. Use the following command to check:
chmod +x Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh
Compare the output with the hash provided on the website.
Step 3: Run the Installer
Run the installer and Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
./Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh
Follow the prompts in the terminal:
- Press
Enter to review the license agreement. - Type
yes to accept the terms. - Choose an installation location (the default is usually fine).
- Opt to initialize Miniconda by allowing it to modify your shell configuration file.
Step 4: Initialize Conda
After installation, you may need to initialize Conda for your shell. If you accepted this during installation, it should be done automatically. If not, you can run:
conda init
- Modifies your shell configuration file to activate the Conda environment automatically.
- Ensures Conda commands like
conda activate and conda deactivate work without additional configuration.
Then, restart your terminal or run source ~/.bashrc (or source ~/.zshrc if you're using Zsh).
Step 5: Install Python
Create a new environment with a specific version of Python (for example, Python 3.13)
conda create -n myenv python=<version>
Activate the environment
conda activate myenv
Step 6: Verify Python Installation
To check that Python is installed correctly within your environment, run:
python --version
Method 3: Manual Installation Methods for Python on Linux
Installing Python on Linux can be done through various manual methods, primarily by using a package manager or building from source. Below are the detailed steps for each method.
Building Python from Source Code
If you need a specific version of Python or want to customize the installation, you can build it from source. This method gives you full control over the Python installation and allows customization during the build process:
Step 1: Install Required Development Packages
Before building Python, ensure you have the necessary development tools and libraries installed.
sudo apt install build-essential libssl-dev libbz2-dev libreadline-dev libsqlite3-dev wget curl llvm libffi-dev zlib1g-dev
Step 2: Download the Latest Version of Python
Visit the official Python website and download the latest source code tarball. Alternatively, use wget to download it directly:
wget https://www.python.org/ftp/python/X.Y.Z/Python-X.Y.Z.tgz
Replace <version> with the Python version you want (e.g., 3.13.1). This downloads the source code as a .tgz archive.
Step 3: Extract Tarball and Navigate to the Source Directory
After downloading, extract the tarball:
tar -xvf Python-<version>.tgz
Navigate to the extracted directory and configure the build environment:
cd Python-X.Y.Z
./configure --enable-optimizations
- The --enable-optimizations flag can improve performance.
- This unpacks the source code into a directory for building and installation.
Step 5: Compile and Install
Compile the source code and install it:
This uses all available cores for faster compilation:
make -j $(nproc)
Use altinstall to prevent overwriting any existing python binary:
sudo make altinstall
Step 5: Verify the Installation
After installation, verify that Python is installed correctly by checking its version:
python3 --version
Replace 3.10 with the installed version to confirm it’s correctly installed.
Installing Python Using the Official Installer on Linux
To install Python on Linux using the official installer, you typically download the source code from the Python website and compile it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to perform this installation.
Step 1: Download the Latest Python Version
Go to python.org to find the latest version of Python.
You can download the latest version as a tarball. For example, use wget in your terminal:
wget https://www.python.org/ftp/python/<version>/Python-<version>.sh
Replace <version> with the version you want to install.
Step 2: Install Required Development Packages
Before compiling Python, ensure that you have the necessary development tools installed.
For Ubuntu/Debian, run:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install build-essential libssl-dev libbz2-dev libreadline-dev libsqlite3-dev wget curl llvm libffi-dev zlib1g-dev
For Fedora, you can install development tools with:
sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools"
Once the download is complete, extract the tarball:
tar -xf Python-X.Y.Z.tgz
cd Python-X.Y.Z
Run the configuration script to prepare for building:
./configure --enable-optimizations
The --enable-optimizations flag helps optimize the Python binary for better performance.
Step 5: Compile and Install
Compile the source code and install Python:
This uses all available CPU cores for faster compilation.
make -j $(nproc)
This prevents overwriting any existing python binary.
sudo make altinstall
Step 6: Verify Installation
Check if Python has been installed correctly by running:
python3 --version
Installing Python Using Docker Containers on Linux
Docker provides a convenient way to run applications in isolated environments, making it easy to manage dependencies and versions. Here’s how to install Python using Docker containers on a Linux system.
Step 1: Install Docker
If you haven't already installed Docker, you can do so by following these steps:
Update your package index:
sudo apt update
Install Docker:
For Ubuntu/Debian-based systems:
sudo apt install -y docker.io
For Fedora-based systems:
sudo dnf install -y docker
For Arch-based systems:
sudo pacman -S docker
Start and enable Docker:
Start the Docker service and enable it to start automatically on boot:
sudo systemctl start docker
sudo systemctl enable docker
Docker is a containerization tool that runs applications, including Python, in isolated containers.
Step 2: Pull the Python Docker Image
Docker provides official Python images that are lightweight and pre-configured for different versions. Copy the below command to pull the Python Docker image for the desired version:
sudo docker pull python:<version>
Replace <version> with the desired Python version (e.g., 3.10). This downloads the image containing Python.
Step 3: Run Python in a Container
Once the image is downloaded, you can start a container with Python. Follow the below command to Run Python Container:
sudo docker run -it python:<version>
- The
-it option starts an interactive terminal. - The Python REPL (interactive shell) will launch within the container.
This launches an interactive Python shell inside a container.
Step 4: Run Python Scripts in a Container
Now you can run a Python script stored on your host machine, use Docker’s volume mounting feature to share the file with the container.
Installing Python on Linux Using Snap Packages
Snap packages provide a convenient way to install and manage software on Linux systems in a containerized format. Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing Python using Snap packages.
Step 1: Install Snap
If Snap is not already installed on your system, you can install it using the following commands based on your Linux distribution:
For Ubuntu/Debian:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y snapd
For Fedora:
sudo dnf install snapd
For Arch Linux:
sudo pacman -S snapd
Note: After installation, ensure that the Snap service is enabled:
sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket
Step 2: Install Python Using Snap
You can find available Python versions in the Snap store by running:
snap find python
To install the latest version of Python, you can use:
sudo snap install python3
Replace python3 with the specific version you want (e.g., python3.13)
Step 3: Verify the Installation
Once the installation is complete, verify that Python has been installed correctly by checking its version:
python3 --version
This confirms the Snap package installed Python successfully.
Method 4: Installing Python on Linux Using Cloud-Based Solutions
Cloud-based environments provide a flexible way to install and run Python without the need for local setup. Here’s how to install Python using popular cloud platforms like AWS Cloud9 and Google Cloud Compute Engine.
Most cloud providers, like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure, offer pre-configured environments with Python.
Step 1: Choose a Cloud Provider
Select a cloud provider that supports Python. Common options:
- AWS (Amazon Web Services): Use EC2 instances or AWS Lambda.
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Use Compute Engine or App Engine.
- Microsoft Azure: Use Azure Virtual Machines or Functions.
These providers offer ready-to-use instances with Python pre-installed or easily configurable.
Step 2: Launch a Virtual Machine (VM)
VMs allow you to run Python as if on a physical machine, giving you control over installations.
- Log in to the cloud provider’s console.
- Create a new VM instance.
- Choose an OS and ensure Python is included in the configuration or installable.
Step 3: Install or Use Pre-installed Python
Some cloud VMs come with Python pre-installed. You can verify it using python3 --version. But If Python isn’t pre-installed the follow the below commands:
SSH into the VM:
ssh user@<VM-IP>
Install Python using package managers or version managers:
sudo apt install python3
How to Install Python Using Deadsnakes PPA (Ubuntu Only)
Deadsnakes PPA is used to install newer Python versions which are not available in the default repositories. The deadsnakes PPA is a trusted repository that provides the latest Python versions for Linux-based distributions.
sudo apt install software-properties-common
Step 2: Add the Deadsnakes Repository
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:deadsnakes/ppa
sudo apt update
Step 3: Install a specific Python version (e.g., 3.13)
sudo apt install python3.13
How to Verify Python Installation on Linux
After installation, Confirm that Python and pip were installed correctly. These commands ensure Python and pip are installed and accessible from the terminal.
Check Python Version
python3 --version
Check pip Version
pip3 --version
Conclusion
Installing Python on Linux is a straightforward process when using package managers or trusted repositories like deadsnakes PPA. By following this guide, you’ll have Python and its tools ready for development. Isolating projects with virtual environments and managing Python versions with pyenv ensures a clean and flexible setup for all your projects.
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