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Asked: 2024-09-26T00:20:18+05:30 In: ,

What are the steps to install Python 3.7 on Ubuntu 20.04?

I’m really trying to wrap my head around how to install Python 3.7 on my Ubuntu 20.04 system, and I could use some guidance. So, here’s the deal: I’ve been dabbling in coding for a bit, and I read somewhere that Python 3.7 has some neat features that I’d love to explore. The problem is, I’ve only ever used Python 3.8 and later versions on my setup, and I’m not sure about the steps to install an older version on my machine without messing things up.

I’ve googled it and come across a few tutorials, but they were a bit too technical for my liking—like, they assumed I had a PhD in computer science or something! I just want someone to break it down into easy steps. You know, the kind of simple guidance that wouldn’t make me feel like I’m in over my head.

So, I guess I’m looking for something like this: what are the exact commands I should run in the terminal, and how do I ensure that Python 3.7 installs correctly without knocking my existing Python version out of whack? I’ve heard about using `apt` or even building from source, but honestly, I’m a bit nervous about making my system unstable.

Oh, and what about setting it up so that it works seamlessly with pip? I’ve got a couple of projects in mind where I’d like to use some packages that are specifically compatible with 3.7. Any advice on that would be super helpful!

If you’ve gone through this process yourself, what was the most challenging part? I want to avoid any pitfalls that could lead to headaches later on. Plus, if there are any post-installation tips—like setting environment variables or checking the installation—I’d appreciate that too.

Thanks a ton for any help you can provide! I’m sure a step-by-step guide that’s easy to follow will not only help me but also anyone else out there who’s trying to navigate the same situation.

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    2 Answers



    1. Installing Python 3.7 on Ubuntu 20.04

      How to Install Python 3.7 on Ubuntu 20.04

      Installing an older Python version like 3.7 is totally doable! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you get Python 3.7 on your Ubuntu system without messing things up.

      Step 1: Update Your Package List

      Open your terminal and run this command to make sure all your packages are up to date:

      sudo apt update

      Step 2: Install Prerequisites

      To build Python from source, you need to install some dependencies. Run:

      sudo apt install -y build-essential checkinstall
      sudo apt install -y zlib1g-dev libncurses5-dev libgdbm-dev libnss3-dev \
        libssl-dev libreadline-dev libffi-dev libsqlite3-dev wget

      Step 3: Download Python 3.7

      Next, download the Python 3.7 tarball from the official site:

      wget https://www.python.org/ftp/python/3.7.16/Python-3.7.16.tgz

      Step 4: Extract the Files

      Unzip the downloaded file:

      tar -xf Python-3.7.16.tgz

      Step 5: Build and Install Python

      Navigate into the Python directory and run the following commands:

      cd Python-3.7.16
      ./configure --enable-optimizations
      make -j 4
      sudo make altinstall

      Note: Using make altinstall prevents overwriting the default Python 3 version.

      Step 6: Verify the Installation

      Check if Python 3.7 is installed correctly:

      python3.7 --version

      Step 7: Install pip for Python 3.7

      To manage packages with pip, run:

      sudo apt install python3.7-distutils
      curl https://bootstrap.pypa.io/get-pip.py -o get-pip.py
      python3.7 get-pip.py

      Step 8: Set Up a Virtual Environment (Optional)

      If you want to keep your projects isolated, you can create a virtual environment:

      python3.7 -m venv myprojectenv

      Activate it with:

      source myprojectenv/bin/activate

      Post-Installation Tips

      After installing, you might want to:

      • Set environment variables if needed.
      • Run python3.7 -m pip install --upgrade pip to ensure you’re using the latest pip.

      Most challenging part? Sometimes the dependencies can be a bit tricky. Just make sure to read any error messages carefully—they’ll guide you to what you need!

      That’s it! Enjoy exploring Python 3.7 and happy coding!




    2. Installing Python 3.7 on Ubuntu 20.04

      To install Python 3.7 on your Ubuntu 20.04 system, you can use a PPA (Personal Package Archive) to avoid any issues with your existing Python installations. First, open your terminal and run the following commands to add the PPA and install Python 3.7:

              sudo add-apt-repository ppa:deadsnakes/ppa
        sudo apt update
        sudo apt install python3.7

      After installation, verify it by checking the version with:

              python3.7 --version

      If you need to use pip with Python 3.7, install it by running:

              sudo apt install python3.7-distutils
        curl https://bootstrap.pypa.io/get-pip.py -o get-pip.py
        python3.7 get-pip.py

      To avoid conflicts, it’s good practice to use a virtual environment to manage your projects. You can do this by installing the `venv` module:

              sudo apt install python3.7-venv

      Then create a new virtual environment with:

              python3.7 -m venv your_project_env

      Activate your virtual environment with:

              source your_project_env/bin/activate

      Now, any packages you install using pip will be contained within this environment, keeping your global Python setup intact. If you encounter any issues, check that your PATH and environment variables are correctly set up, and consider reviewing the official Python documentation for additional guidance.


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