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Asked: 2024-09-25T03:35:42+05:30 In: ,

What steps should I follow to upgrade Python to the most recent version on Ubuntu 18.04?

Hey everyone! So, I’ve been dabbling in Python for a while now, and I think it’s finally time to upgrade to the latest version on my Ubuntu 18.04 machine. I’ve heard that the newest version has some awesome features and improvements, and I really want to take advantage of them. But I have to admit, I’m a little nervous about upgrading because I don’t want to mess anything up. You know how it goes—one wrong move and everything can go sideways.

First off, I’m not even sure what the most recent version is. I’ve been using Python 3.6, I think? But I feel like I’ve been living under a rock, so I’m not positive. Is there a specific command or site I should check to find out what the latest stable release is?

Once I know which version to go for, what’s the actual process to upgrade? I’ve read a bit about using the terminal, but honestly, it can be a bit intimidating to me. Do I need to back up anything before I start the upgrade process? What if I have projects running that depend on the older version of Python? I’ve heard tales of library conflicts and other headaches that can arise during upgrades, and I’d like to avoid any of those if possible.

Also, is there a recommended way to install the latest version? Like, should I use Apt, or would it be better to compile it from the source? What about all those packages I’ve installed using pip? Will they still work after I upgrade, or do I need to re-install them?

I’m hoping some of you experienced Python users can guide me through these steps. If you’ve done this upgrade before and have any tips, I’d love to hear your experiences! Any common pitfalls I should be aware of? Just trying to make this as smooth of a transition as possible. Thanks in advance for your help!

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    2 Answers


    1. To check the most recent stable version of Python, you can visit the official Python website at python.org/downloads. This site provides up-to-date information on the latest release available. As of now, you might be using Python 3.6, while the latest stable version is Python 3.10 or beyond. To confirm which version is currently installed on your Ubuntu machine, you can run the command python3 --version in the terminal. This will show you the version number currently active, and it will help you determine if an upgrade is indeed necessary before proceeding with the installation.

      When it comes to the upgrade process, using apt is generally the recommended approach on Ubuntu, as it’s straightforward and less likely to cause issues compared to compiling from the source. Start by backing up your projects and virtual environments, just in case you need to revert to the previous version. You can easily create a virtual environment using python3 -m venv myenv to keep your dependencies isolated. After that, upgrade Python by executing sudo apt update && sudo apt install python3.10 (replace “3.10” with the desired version). Keep in mind that you’ll need to reinstall any packages you were using with pip in your virtual environments after the upgrade. While there can be minor compatibility issues with libraries, maintaining separate virtual environments for different projects can help manage those dependencies efficiently.



    2. No worries, upgrading Python can seem a bit daunting, but it’s definitely doable! First off, you’re right about wanting to check the latest version. As of October 2023, the latest stable version is Python 3.11. You can check for the most recent versions on the official Python website: python.org/downloads.

      Now, for the upgrade process on Ubuntu 18.04, here are some steps you can follow:

      1. Backup your environment: Before doing anything, it’s a good idea to back up your projects or at least your virtual environments if you’re using them. You don’t want to lose your work.
      2. Check if you’re using virtual environments: If you have projects that rely on Python 3.6, make sure they are in a virtual environment, which can help avoid conflicts.
      3. Update your package list: Open a terminal and run: 
        sudo apt update
      4. Install Python 3.11: You can use the following command to install the latest version: 
        sudo apt install python3.11

      Regarding your packages installed with pip, those might not work automatically with your newly installed Python version, unfortunately. After upgrading, you’ll likely need to reinstall them using pip for Python 3.11. You could do this with a command like:

      python3.11 -m pip install package_name

      If you run into any issues, you can always switch back to your old version, especially if you’re using virtual environments. They can help keep your projects isolated from system-wide changes.

      Lastly, some common pitfalls to watch out for include making sure that your system’s default Python version doesn’t change if it might break system scripts that rely on Python 3.6. It’s usually best to call Python explicitly when running scripts (like `python3.11 script.py`).

      Hope this helps! Upgrading can seem scary, but with a little care, you’ll be enjoying the new features in no time!


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