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Asked: 2024-09-24T13:59:27+05:30 In: ,

What steps should I follow to install a different version of Python using apt-get on Ubuntu?

I’ve been trying to get the right version of Python installed on my Ubuntu machine, but it’s turned into a bit of a headache. So, here’s the situation: I really need a different version of Python for this project I’m working on. I’ve heard that using `apt-get` can make it easier to manage installations, but I’m feeling a bit lost on the specifics of how to do it.

I’ve got Ubuntu 20.04, and I think I want to install Python 3.8, but I’m not totally sure if that’s the right version for my needs. I want to avoid breaking anything, especially since I’ve got some projects running on the default version of Python. I’ve tried googling it, but every tutorial seems to gloss over the details or assumes I already know a ton about package management, which I definitely don’t.

So, can someone break this down for me? What are the exact steps I should follow? Should I start by removing the current version, or is it a safe bet to install the new version side by side? And what’s the command for installing a specific version using `apt-get`? I heard about something called `update-alternatives` too—do I need to mess with that?

Also, after I install the new version, how can I set it as the default version without messing up my system? It seems like every time I change something, I run the risk of breaking my environment. I know the terminal can be a bit intimidating, especially when you’re juggling packages and versions.

Any pointers or detailed steps would be super helpful! I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who’s struggled with this. Thanks a ton in advance!

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    2 Answers


    1. To install a specific version of Python on your Ubuntu 20.04 system without interfering with the existing installation, the best practice is to install the new version alongside the default one. Ubuntu 20.04 comes with Python 3.8 by default, so you may actually already have it installed. You can check your current version with the command python3 --version. If you need to install a specific version, you can do so using apt-get. First, update your package list by running sudo apt-get update. Then, you can install Python 3.8 with the command sudo apt-get install python3.8. This will install Python 3.8 without removing the default version of Python that comes with the operating system.

      Once you have installed Python 3.8, you can manage which version to use as the default with the update-alternatives command. First, add Python 3.8 to the alternatives system by using the command sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/python3 python3 /usr/bin/python3.8 2. You can then set the default version interactively by running sudo update-alternatives --config python3 and following the prompts to select your desired version. Be cautious when changing the default Python version, as it may affect system scripts or applications that depend on a specific version of Python. To avoid conflicts, it’s generally a good idea to use virtual environments for your projects, which allows you to manage dependencies and versions independently.







    2. Installing Python on Ubuntu 20.04

      Installing Python 3.8 on Ubuntu 20.04

      If you want to install Python 3.8 on your Ubuntu 20.04 machine without messing up your current setup, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out!

      Step 1: Update Your Package List

      Before installing anything new, it’s good to update your package list. Open your terminal and run:

      sudo apt-get update

      Step 2: Install Python 3.8

      Now, you can install Python 3.8. Just run:

      sudo apt-get install python3.8

      Step 3: Check Your Install

      To make sure it’s installed correctly, check the version by running:

      python3.8 --version

      Step 4: Using Multiple Python Versions

      With `apt-get`, you don’t need to remove your current Python version (which is likely Python 3.8 or 3.6) because it installs side by side! This is totally safe.

      Step 5: Setting the Default Python Version

      If you want Python 3.8 to be the default version when you type `python3`, you can use:

      sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/python3 python3 /usr/bin/python3.8 1

      And, if you need to switch versions later, run:

      sudo update-alternatives --config python3

      This will let you choose which version to use.

      Step 6: Keeping Your Projects Safe

      To avoid breaking your existing projects, it might be a good idea to create virtual environments for your projects with venv. This keeps the dependencies separate. To create a virtual environment, do this:

      python3.8 -m venv myproject-env

      Then activate it with:

      source myproject-env/bin/activate

      Final Thoughts

      Remember that changing system Python sometimes can lead to issues, but as long as you are careful and use virtual environments for your projects, you should be fine!

      Hope this helps you navigate your Python installations without too much headache!


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