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Asked: 2024-09-25T21:03:10+05:30 In: ,

What steps should I follow to install the most recent version of Python 2.7 or 3.x on an Ubuntu system?

I just got a new Ubuntu setup, and I’m kind of struggling with getting Python up and running. I know there’s this debate about whether to use Python 2.7 or go straight for 3.x, and I honestly don’t know which one I should be installing. I get that Python 2 is kind of being phased out, but there are still some projects that require it. However, all the new stuff seems to be in Python 3.x, and I don’t want to miss out on any features or support in the long run.

So, here’s where I need some help. What steps should I follow to install the most recent version of Python on my Ubuntu system? I’ve dabbled a little in the terminal—nothing too scary—but I wouldn’t say I’m an expert either. Could someone guide me through the whole process? Like, should I be checking for any existing versions before I dive into the installation? And what if I only want to install one version and not both? Do I need to worry about dependencies or anything else that might trip me up?

It seems like every time I look up a tutorial, there are different ways to do it—some recommend using apt, while others suggest downloading from the official Python site or using a version manager like pyenv. Honestly, I just want the simplest, most straightforward way to get it running without running into issues later on. I assume there might also be some additional steps for setting up pip or virtual environments afterward, too, right?

Any tips on how to handle that would be super appreciated! If you could break down the process into easy steps, I think it would really help not just me, but anyone else who might be in the same boat. Thanks a lot!

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    2 Answers


    1. To set up Python on your new Ubuntu system, start by checking if you have any existing versions installed. Open your terminal and type python --version or python3 --version. If a version is displayed for either command, you may want to decide if you want to keep it or proceed with installing a new version. Since Python 2.7 is officially deprecated and you should focus on Python 3.x for long-term support and new features, it’s recommended to install Python 3. You can easily install the latest version using the system package manager. First, run sudo apt update to update your package list, then install Python by executing sudo apt install python3. This command installs Python 3 and takes care of the necessary dependencies automatically.

      After installing Python 3, you’ll want to set up pip, which is the package manager for Python. You can install it with sudo apt install python3-pip. For managing dependencies and creating isolated environments for different projects, I recommend using venv, which is included with Python 3. You can create a virtual environment by navigating to your project directory and running python3 -m venv myenv, replacing myenv with your desired environment name. Activate it using source myenv/bin/activate. With your virtual environment active, you can install packages specific to your project without affecting your system-wide Python installation. This setup allows you to take advantage of all the modern Python features without the overhead of managing multiple versions or conflicting dependencies.




    2. Installing Python on Ubuntu


      Getting Python Up and Running on Ubuntu

      First things first, you’re right—Python 2.7 is pretty much being phased out, so it’s usually better to go with Python 3.x for new projects. Given that you’re setting up a new Ubuntu system, it’s good to start with the latest version of Python 3.

      Steps to Install Python 3 on Ubuntu

      1. Open your terminal: You can do this by searching for “Terminal” in your applications.
      2. Check for existing Python versions: Run the command:
        3. python3 --version

        This will show you if you already have Python 3 installed, and its version.

      3. Update your package list: It’s a good idea to ensure that your package list is up to date. Enter the following command:
        4. sudo apt update
      4. Install Python 3: To install the latest version of Python 3, type:
        5. sudo apt install python3

        Press Y when prompted to confirm the installation.

      5. Install pip: Now that Python is installed, you probably want to install pip, which is the package installer for Python. Run the following command:
        6. sudo apt install python3-pip
      6. Verify your installation: Check if both Python and pip are installed correctly:
        7. python3 --version
        pip3 --version
      7. Consider setting up a virtual environment: It’s often useful to create virtual environments for your projects to manage dependencies. You can install the virtual environment package via:
        8. sudo apt install python3-venv

        And then to create a new virtual environment, run:

        python3 -m venv myenv

        This will create a folder named “myenv” where you can install packages independently of your main Python installation.

      Final Thoughts

      That’s it! You’ve got Python 3 up and running. Remember, you can always check out the official Python tutorial for more guidance. Don’t hesitate to explore, and the more you use Python, the more you’ll love it!


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