I’ve been dabbling with Python for a bit now, and I finally got NumPy up and running smoothly with Python 3.5 on my setup—super excited about the cool things I can do with it! However, I decided to upgrade to Python 3.6 since I’ve heard there are some neat improvements and features. But here’s where I’m running into a wall: I can’t seem to get NumPy to work with my new Python version!
I’ve tried running pip install numpy in my terminal, but it keeps throwing errors. I think it might be trying to access the old version tied to Python 3.5 since it’s the default when I run Python commands. I even read somewhere that you should specify which version of Python you want to use with pip, but I’m not sure how that works. Do I need to do something like pip3.6 install numpy or maybe even use a virtual environment?
I poked around a bit online, but I kept getting a mix of information. Some people mentioned that I should uninstall the existing NumPy before I attempt a new installation, while others suggested that I’d just end up confusing myself and breaking things. Honestly, I’m a bit overwhelmed and stressed about messing up my current setup.
I really want to keep my Python 3.5 installation intact because I have some projects that rely on it, but I’ve read that setting up a virtual environment could help. Is it worth the trouble, or can I manage to get NumPy working for Python 3.6 without that extra step?
I’d love to hear how you all handle this stuff. If anyone has gone through this process and can offer a quick guide or steps to follow, I’d be incredibly grateful. Just a simple explanation would do! I’m kind of a beginner, so I appreciate any tips or experiences you can share. Thanks in advance for your help!
To get NumPy working with Python 3.6 while keeping your Python 3.5 setup intact, using a virtual environment is highly recommended. Virtual environments allow you to create isolated spaces for your projects, so each can maintain its own dependencies without interfering with one another. You can create a virtual environment specifically for Python 3.6 by first installing the `venv` package if you don’t have it. In your terminal, run
python3.6 -m venv myenv
to create a new environment named ‘myenv’. To activate this environment, usesource myenv/bin/activate
on macOS/Linux ormyenv\Scripts\activate
on Windows. Once activated, your terminal will indicate that you are working within that environment.Now, with the virtual environment active, you can install NumPy without worrying about conflicting versions. Simply run
pip install numpy
, and it will install the library in your isolated environment linked to Python 3.6. If you encounter any issues, such as errors during installation, check if you have the necessary compilers or dependencies installed for NumPy. You won’t need to uninstall the existing NumPy for Python 3.5, as they will be entirely separate. Following this approach will prevent confusion and help maintain your projects efficiently. If you want to exit the virtual environment at any time, just rundeactivate
. This will allow you to switch back to your default Python version easily.Getting NumPy to Work with Python 3.6
So, it sounds like you’re in a bit of a pickle with your Python installations! No worries, it’s a common issue when upgrading Python versions.
First off, you’re right that you should use the correct version of pip for your Python 3.6 installation. If you have both Python versions installed, running
pip install numpy
might default to the one for Python 3.5, which is likely causing your errors.Quick Steps to Fix the Issue:
python3.6 --version
in your terminal.python3.6 -m pip install numpy
. This tells Python 3.6 to use pip to install the package.python3.6 -m venv myenv
(this creates a new virtual environment named “myenv”)source myenv/bin/activate
(this activates the virtual environment)pip install numpy
.If you ever need to go back and work with Python 3.5, you can just deactivate the virtual environment by running
deactivate
.As for uninstalling NumPy from Python 3.5, it might be a good idea only if you’re completely sure you won’t need it anymore. Otherwise, keep it and just focus on getting it to work with Python 3.6.
Don’t stress too much about messing things up; it’s all part of the learning process! If you hit any more snags, just ask for help. Good luck!