How to Install Python on Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Python is an incredibly versatile programming language that’s widely used for various applications, from web development to data analysis and machine learning. As a software developer or someone looking to dive into programming, having Python installed on your Ubuntu system is crucial for running scripts and developing applications. This guide will walk you through the process of installing Python on Ubuntu, ensuring you have a solid foundation to start your coding journey.

Ubuntu, being a popular Linux distribution, comes with a package management system that makes installing software like Python easy and straightforward. In this article, we’ll cover different methods to install Python, including using the terminal and exploring some best practices for managing Python versions. By the end of this guide, you will be equipped to install Python effortlessly, setting the stage for your programming success.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics of programming or a developer aiming to enhance your projects with Python’s powerful libraries, this article is designed to provide clear, step-by-step instructions to support you every step of the way.

Checking Existing Python Installation

Before installing Python, it’s essential to check whether you already have it installed on your system. Ubuntu typically comes with Python pre-installed, but this can vary depending on the version and distribution. To check for an existing installation, open your terminal and run the following command:

python3 --version

If Python is installed, you will see the version number displayed, like Python 3.x.x. If you see an error message stating that the command is not found, you will need to install Python.

Additionally, you may want to check if Python 2.x is installed using the following command:

python --version

However, it’s worth noting that Python 2 has reached the end of its life, and it is recommended to use Python 3 for all new projects and development work.

Installing Python Using the APT Package Manager

The most common and straightforward method to install Python on Ubuntu is through the APT (Advanced Package Tool) package manager. This approach ensures that you’re installing the latest version of Python that’s compatible with your system. Here’s how to do it:

Open your terminal.
Update your package list to ensure you’re getting the latest version of Python.

sudo apt update

After the update is complete, you can now install Python 3 by running:

sudo apt install python3

By default, Ubuntu will install the latest version of Python 3 available in its repositories. Once the installation is complete, you can verify the installation by checking the version again:

python3 --version

You should see the installed version number, confirming the successful installation of Python on your Ubuntu system.

Installing Python 3 and pip

In addition to Python, it’s essential to install pip, the Python package manager that allows you to install and manage additional Python libraries and packages. To install pip along with Python, simply run the following command:

sudo apt install python3-pip

This command will install pip specifically for Python 3. After the installation, you can verify that pip is installed correctly by checking its version:

pip3 --version

With pip installed, you can easily add libraries and dependencies to your Python projects, significantly enhancing your development experience.

Installing Python from Source

While using the APT package manager is the simplest method, some developers prefer to install Python from source to have more control over the version and configuration options. This method is also useful if you require a specific version of Python that is not available via APT.

To install Python from source, follow these steps:

First, ensure you have the necessary dependencies installed:

sudo apt install build-essential libssl-dev libbz2-dev libreadline-dev libsqlite3-dev libffi-dev

Next, download the desired version of Python from the official Python website. You can use wget for this purpose. For example:

wget https://www.python.org/ftp/python/3.x.x/Python-3.x.x.tgz

After downloading, extract the tarball:

tar xvf Python-3.x.x.tgz

Once extracted, navigate to the directory:

cd Python-3.x.x

Now, configure the build environment:

./configure --enable-optimizations

Finally, compile and install Python with the following commands:

make -j $(nproc)
sudo make altinstall

The altinstall command is important as it prevents overwriting the default Python binary. After the installation, you can check the version by running:

python3.x --version

Replace 3.x with the specific version number you just installed.

Managing Multiple Python Versions

As you grow in your programming career, you may find yourself needing to work with different versions of Python for various projects. To manage multiple Python versions seamlessly, consider using pyenv. This tool allows you to install, uninstall, and switch between different Python versions effortlessly.

To install pyenv, follow these steps:

Install the necessary dependencies:

sudo apt install -y build-essential libssl-dev libbz2-dev libreadline-dev libsqlite3-dev wget curl llvm libncurses5-dev libncursesw5-dev xz-utils tk-dev libffi-dev liblzma-dev python-openssl git

Next, clone the pyenv repository into your home directory:

curl https://pyenv.run | bash

After the installation, add the following lines to your shell configuration file (.bashrc or .bash_profile):

export PATH="$HOME/.pyenv/bin:$PATH"
eval "$(pyenv init --path)"
eval "$(pyenv init -)"
eval "$(pyenv virtualenv-init -)"

Once you have pyenv set up, you can install different versions of Python using:

pyenv install 3.x.x

Then, set the global or local version of Python you want to use:

pyenv global 3.x.x
# or for a specific project folder
pyenv local 3.x.x

This way, you can maintain isolated environments for different projects, avoiding clutter and version conflicts.

Conclusion

Installing Python on Ubuntu is a straightforward process that opens up endless possibilities for software development, data analysis, automation, and so much more. Whether you choose to install Python via the APT package manager or from the source, you now have the tools to set up your environment effectively.

With Python installed, you’re ready to explore its vast ecosystem of libraries and frameworks that can enhance your development work. Don’t forget to install pip, as it will be essential for managing packages and dependencies in your projects.

For those looking to manage multiple versions of Python, tools like pyenv can simplify your workflow, ensuring you have the right version for every project you work on. As you proceed in your coding journey, remember that practice and exploring Python’s capabilities will lead to greater proficiency and innovation in your development efforts.