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Asked: 2024-09-23T20:10:23+05:30 In:

How can I determine the version of Python that is currently installed on my system?

So, I’ve been diving into some Python projects lately, and I hit a bit of a snag. You know how sometimes you just want to confirm that you’ve got the right version of Python installed before you start coding? Well, I thought it would be an easy task, but I’m a bit stumped. I can do a lot of things in Python, but figuring out what version is running on my system feels like trying to solve a riddle.

I’ve tried a few things already. First, I opened up my terminal (which is where all the magic happens, right?). I typed `python –version` because I figured it would show me what’s installed. But then I remember hearing something about `python3` being the way to go now. So, I tried `python3 –version`, and that one seemed to work! But wait… what if I have both Python 2 and Python 3 installed? How do I tell which one is set as the default?

Also, I’ve seen people use commands like `python -V` or even `py –version`. What’s the real difference, and does it matter? I mean, it’s not like I’m doing rocket science here, but when I see so many different commands flying around, it gets a bit confusing.

And here’s where I really need help: is there a simple, foolproof method to check for the Python version that anyone can do? Like, maybe something in an IDE, or is it all just terminal commands? I just want to be sure I’m working with the right tools for my project without diving into a rabbit hole.

If anyone has been there and knows a straightforward way to tackle this, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Is there something I’m missing? Do I need to install anything extra, or is it just a simple command away? Keep it simple, please—I would be forever grateful for a quick walkthrough!

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    2 Answers






    1. Check Python Version


      When it comes to checking your Python version, you’ve got a couple of easy options!

      Here’s the lowdown on what you can try:

      • Open your terminal: This is where the magic happens, like you said!
      • Check the version:

        python --version

        or 

        python3 --version

        If you have both installed, python might link to Python 2, while python3 is typically the way to go for Python 3.x.

      • To check which version is set as default:
        Type:

        python --version

        or 

        python3 --version

        and see what you get! You can also try:

        python -V

        (it’s the same as --version).

      • If you’re on Windows:
        You might want to try:

        py --version

        This command helps you check the version without confusion between Python 2 and 3.

      Basically, if you want to be sure which version you’re using, stick with python3 --version for now. It’s pretty straightforward!

      As for using an IDE, most modern IDEs (like PyCharm, VSCode, etc.) will show you the Python version being used for your project in their settings menu. So, you can always check that if you feel like avoiding the terminal hustle!

      No need to install anything extra if you already have Python. Just run any of those commands, and you’re good to go! If you hit any bumps along the way, just ask around, and you’ll get through it!


    2. “`html

      To check which version of Python is installed on your system, you can use your terminal to run a few simple commands. Start by typing python --version to see if Python 2.x is the default version. If that command doesn’t yield the output you’re expecting, try python3 --version, which is likely to display the version of Python 3.x that’s installed. In many systems, python points to Python 2.x, while python3 points to Python 3.x. This means if you have both versions installed, python will return the version for the older Python (Python 2), unless your environment has been configured otherwise. If you’re unsure which one is set as the default, you can check by running which python or which python3 on Unix/Linux, or where python on Windows.

      There are indeed a few different commands that can yield the Python version. python -V and py --version are both valid and may work similarly on your system, but their behavior can depend on how Python is installed. The command py is a Python launcher for Windows environments that can make it easier to target specific versions of Python. For straightforward checks, using the terminal commands mentioned above is usually the simplest approach. Additionally, if you are using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like PyCharm or VSCode, you can often find the Python version displayed in the status bar or within the project settings. This can provide another level of assurance regarding the version you’re working with. No additional installations should be necessary; the basic commands are typically pre-installed alongside Python.

      “`

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