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Asked: 2024-09-24T18:20:55+05:30 In: ,

Is the package “python” in Ubuntu 20.04 referring to Python 3, and what does it actually represent?

I’ve been diving into Ubuntu 20.04 recently (I know, a bit late to the party, huh?), and I stumbled across something that’s been kind of bugging me. So, here’s the situation: I wanted to install some Python packages and was about to use the package manager when I noticed that I could install a package named “python.” Naturally, my first thought was, “Sweet! I can get Python up and running easily!” But then, I started to have an existential crisis about which version I was actually installing.

Is the package “python” in Ubuntu 20.04 actually linked to Python 3, or is it something from the ancient history books? Like, one of those relics that’s still hanging around? I mean, Ubuntu has gone through a ton of changes, and Python 2 is basically on its way out, but what if they still have the “python” package hanging around like an old friend no one wants to uninvite from the party?

I started digging through some documentation and found hints suggesting that “python” might actually be a metapackage that points to the default Python version, which in most recent releases is Python 3. But then I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was just trusting documentation and not really checking the ground reality. Like, have we all just collectively decided to ignore old versions, or is there still a chance that someone installed the haunted version of Python 2 when they set up their Ubuntu machine?

So, I’m really curious if any of you have faced this same dilemma. How can we be absolutely sure what “python” is referring to when we install it? Would running `python –version` after installation clear things up, or might that be hiding a nasty surprise? Have you unintentionally ended up with a ghost from the past? Please share your experiences, insights, or even a funny anecdote to help me – and possibly other Ubuntu newbies – navigate this Python conundrum. I mean, we all want to avoid any spooky surprises when working on our projects, right?

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    2 Answers



    1. Python Package Confusion in Ubuntu 20.04

      Ubuntu 20.04 and the Mysterious “python” Package

      So, you’ve stumbled into a classic Ubuntu dilemma! When you try to install the python package on Ubuntu 20.04, things can definitely get a little spooky.

      First off, you’re not alone! Many newbies (and even some experienced folks) have wondered about this very thing. In Ubuntu 20.04, the python package is actually a metapackage. What does that mean? Essentially, it’s like a little signpost that points to whatever the default version of Python is—spoiler alert, it’s Python 3! 🎉

      But don’t let your guard down just yet. While ubuntu moved away from Python 2, it’s still possible to run into it if you’re not careful. When you type sudo apt install python, you might think you’re safe, but always double-check!

      The best way to confirm which version has been installed is to run python --version or python3 --version in your terminal. If you get Python 3.x, then you’ve avoided the ghost of Python 2. If you see Python 2.x, it might just mean you opened a time portal! 😱

      As an added precaution, you might want to install Python explicitly by its version, like sudo apt install python3. When in doubt, specifying the version can save you from unknowingly summoning the wrong spirit.

      So, relax a bit! You’re well-equipped to tackle these mysteries. Just remember to always check and stay updated on what’s lurking in your installation. Good luck on your coding adventures, and may you avoid any spooky surprises!


    2. In Ubuntu 20.04, the package named “python” is indeed a metapackage that points to the default version of Python, which is Python 3. This change came as part of the broader transition from Python 2 to Python 3, particularly after Python 2 reached its end of life in January 2020. Consequently, when you install the “python” package, you are essentially installing the Python 3 interpreter. However, just to clarify your concerns, you should always double-check the installed version to avoid any unexpected surprises. You can do this by running the command python --version in your terminal.

      It’s essential to note that if you need Python 2 for some legacy applications, you will have to install it explicitly via the package manager using the command sudo apt install python2. This is to ensure that you are not inadvertently working with outdated software that could lead to compatibility issues with modern libraries and packages. In many cases, developers prefer to use python3 explicitly to avoid confusion. So, the best practice is to specify which version you intend to use in your projects, and always verify the version after installation to maintain clarity in your development environment.

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