How to Install Python on Ubuntu Linux
Installing Python on Ubuntu Linux gives you a powerful programming tool for many computer tasks.
Python is a high-level programming language that’s easier for people to read and write. It lets you build websites, analyze data, and much more with its many built-in tools and add-ons.
This guide shows you how to install Python 3.10 on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. This version is stable and current for your projects.
You can install Python using Ubuntu’s own software sources, which is the easiest way, or compile it yourself for more control over the newest features.
You can install Python on Ubuntu using apt commands or by compiling from source. Run `sudo apt update` and `sudo apt install python` for the repository method. For the latest version, download the source code, extract it, and use `make -j 4` followed by `sudo make altinstall`.
How to install Python from Ubuntu repositories
You can install Python on Ubuntu using a simple command from the official software sources, which is the quickest and easiest way to get Python on your system.
To install Python from the Ubuntu repository, run the commands below
sudo apt update sudo apt install python
After installing Python above, run the commands below to see which versions of Python are installed.
python --version
That should output a similar line as below with the version of Python installed. As you can see, version 2.7.18 is the current build of Python available in Ubuntu.
Python 2.7.18
How to install Python from source code on Ubuntu
Installing Python from its source code on Ubuntu lets you get the absolute latest version and decide exactly how it’s configured, but you first need to install some essential tools that help compile the code.
Ubuntu 22.04 requires specific packages, such as `build-essential` (a collection of tools for compiling software) and `zlib1g-dev` (for handling compressed data), to compile Python from source code. You run the commands below to install these build packages before you install Python from its source code.
sudo apt update sudo apt install build-essential zlib1g-dev libncurses5-dev libgdbm-dev libnss3-dev libssl-dev libreadline-dev libffi-dev libsqlite3-dev wget libbz2-dev
After installing those packages, download the latest release’s source code from the Python download page using this `wget` command.
cd /tmp wget https://www.python.org/ftp/python/3.9.7/Python-3.9.7.tgz
After downloading the package, run the commands below, extract the file, and install it.
To begin building Python on Ubuntu Linux, use the `make` command followed by the number of CPU cores your system possesses. For example, instead of `#4`, enter your system’s core count. Using this number significantly speeds up the Python build process, making installation much faster.
For example, if your machine has 4 CPU cores, you’d use `make -j 4`.
To avoid overwriting the default system Python, it’s important to avoid the standard `make install` command. This command would replace the existing `python3` binary with your new installation.
After that, Python version 3.9 should be installed and ready to use.
To test if the latest version of Python (which is 3.9) is installed and ready to use, run the commands below
python3.9 --version
You should see an output similar to the one below:
Python 3.9.7
That’s how you install Python from its source
Conclusion:
This guide explains Python installation on Ubuntu Linux. Users can report errors or share additional information using the comment form provided below the article.
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Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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