Linux find python version

HowTo: Find Python Version

So I am using Python version 2.17.14. The -V or –version option shows the Python version number of the executable and exit. For Python 3, try the follwoing command:
$ python3 -V
## or ##
$ python3 —version
Sample outputs:

🐧 Get the latest tutorials on Linux, Open Source & DevOps via

Category	List of Unix and Linux commands
Documentation	help • mandb • man • pinfo
Disk space analyzers	df • duf • ncdu • pydf
File Management	cat • cp • less • mkdir • more • tree
Firewall	Alpine Awall • CentOS 8 • OpenSUSE • RHEL 8 • Ubuntu 16.04 • Ubuntu 18.04 • Ubuntu 20.04
Linux Desktop Apps	Skype • Spotify • VLC 3
Modern utilities	bat • exa
Network Utilities	NetHogs • dig • host • ip • nmap
OpenVPN	CentOS 7 • CentOS 8 • Debian 10 • Debian 8/9 • Ubuntu 18.04 • Ubuntu 20.04
Package Manager	apk • apt
Processes Management	bg • chroot • cron • disown • fg • glances • gtop • jobs • killall • kill • pidof • pstree • pwdx • time • vtop
Searching	ag • grep • whereis • which
Shell builtins	compgen • echo • printf
Text processing	cut • rev
User Information	groups • id • lastcomm • last • lid/libuser-lid • logname • members • users • whoami • who • w
WireGuard VPN	Alpine • CentOS 8 • Debian 10 • Firewall • Ubuntu 20.04

Comments on this entry are closed.

I’d like to know what version of Python a module is made for before I download it – 2.7 or 3.3. Often it’s not stated or I can’t figure how to find it. I’m not sure why they don’t make that clear or maybe I’m missing something because I’m new at it. I searched google for that idea but all it does is tells me how to find the Module version. I don’t want that. I want to know what version of python a module is for. It doesn’t seem to be clearly stated on download sites or even in the module or documentation.

I am getting ‘python’ is not defined

Don’t type “python -V” at the python command prompt (interpreter) but at the command prompt of the shell you are using … here’s an example on Windows :

C:\Python33>python -V
Python 3.3.2

If you want to know from within python command prompt you will have to type …

C:\Python33>python
Python 3.3.2 (v3.3.2:d047928ae3f6, May 16 2013, 00:03:43) [MSC v.1600 32 bit (Intel)] on win32
Type “help”, “copyright”, “credits” or “license” for more information.
>>> import sys
>>> sys.version
‘3.3.2 (v3.3.2:d047928ae3f6, May 16 2013, 00:03:43) [MSC v.1600 32 bit (Intel)]’

Hope this helps.

How may one change the version of Python which they have installed?

Источник

HOW TO CHECK YOUR PYTHON VERSION

To check your Python version, run python —version in your command line (Windows), shell (Mac), or terminal (Linux/Ubuntu). To check your Python version in your script, run import sys to get the module and use sys.version to find detailed version information in your code.

Let’s get a quick overview of the different ways to check your Python version in all operating systems and environments. This may be all you need to know:

Commands	Where?	What?	Example Output
python —version or python -V or python -VV	Terminal	Mac/Linux/Win	Python 3.7.2
import sys sys.version	Python Script	Information string	‘3.7.2 (tags/v3.7.2:9a3ffc0492, Dec 23 2018, 23:09:28) [MSC v.1916 64 bit (AMD64)]’
sys.version_info	Python script	Version info tuple	sys.version_info(major=3, minor=7, micro=2, releaselevel=’final’, serial=0)
import platform platform.python_version()	Python script	Short string info	‘3.7.2’
platform.python_version_tuple()	Python script	Short tuple info	(‘3’, ‘7’, ‘2’)

Do you want to develop the skills of a well-rounded Python professional—while getting paid in the process? Become a Python freelancer and order your book Leaving the Rat Race with Python on Amazon (Kindle/Print)!

Table of Contents

Overview

When Guido van Rossum released the first viable Python version 0.9.0 in 1991, he couldn’t have expected (by a long shot) that he was on the verge of creating the most influential programming language in the world. Python has a bright future: every new Python version adds new features to the programming language.

In the following video and blog tutorial, I’ll show you how to check your Python version—no matter your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Ubuntu) and programming framework (Jupyter). You can play the video while you scroll down to read the step-by-step instructions on how to check your Python version.

If you’re like me ten years ago, you need to Google important Python commands again and again. Fortunately, I found a simple and effective (and free) way to improve my Python skills. And so can you: learning with cheat sheets.

Join my email academy and download your free Python cheat sheets about various topics such as keywords, object-orientation, NumPy, and data structures.

Environments

This general method works across all major operating systems (Windows, Linux, and macOS).

OS & Environment	Method
Win10, Win7	Open command line and run python -V or python —version
MacOS, Linux, Ubuntu	Open terminal and run python -V or python —version
Python Shell, Juypter Notebook	Interactive mode: >>> import sys >>> sys.version
Python Editor, Juypter Notebook	Normal mode: import sys print(sys.version)

The table shows you how different environments call for different commands to check your Python version. You may have the following question:

How to open your command line or terminal?

• Windows: Hit shortcut Win+R , type powershell , hit OK .
• MacOS: Hit shortcut Cmd+Space , type terminal , hit OK .
• Linux: Hit shortcut Ctrl+Alt+T .

The Python version output consists of three numbers major:minor:micro. For example, version 3.7.2 means that

• the major version is 3,
• the minor version is 7, and
• the micro version is 2.

[ATTENTION] Different major versions are NOT fully compatible. Different minor versions are compatible.

For example, you can execute code written in Python 3.6.4 in Python 3.7.2 because they are the same major version — Python 3. But you cannot execute code written in Python 2.7.4 in Python 3.7.2 because they are different major versions.

Note that new minor versions can add changes to the language. For example, in Python 3.8 they introduced the reversed() function with dictionaries. You cannot use the reversed() function in older versions of Python. But the vast majority of the language is the same.

Before you move on to the exact steps you need to perform on your exact environment, please allow me to quickly present you my book “Coffee Break Python“. It uses the powerful puzzle-based learning method that helps you boost your rapid code understanding skills in Python.

Science shows that puzzle-based learning and practice testing improves learning retention by 44%.

Here’s an Amazon review of the book:

Feel free to check out the book if you’re an ambitious Python student and you want to reach advanced Python skill levels!

Let’s dive into the exact steps to check your Python version in any environment. I tried to figure out any environment you may be interested in. But if you don’t find yours, please let me know (chris at finxter dot com) and I’ll add your specific environment, too.

You can check out our interactive story to see how to check the Python version in different environments:

Click to move to next page!

Check Which Python Version in Script (Exact Steps)

Sometimes, you want to check Python’s version in your Python program.

To achieve this, simply import the sys module and print the sys.version attribute to your Python shell:

Check Python Version Jupyter (Exact Steps)

Three steps to check the Python version in a Jupyter notebook.

1. Open the Jupyter notebook: type jupyter notebook in your terminal/console.
2. Write the following Python code snippet in a code cell:

3. Execute the script.

As an alternative, you can also use the following Python code snippet to check your Python version in a Jupyter notebook:

Here is a screenshot on my computer:

Check Python Version Windows 10 (Exact Steps)

Three steps to check the Python version on your Win 10 operating system:

1. Open the Powershell application: Press the Windows key to open the start screen. In the search box, type “powershell”. Press enter.
2. Execute command : type python —version and press enter.
3. The Python version appears in the next line below your command.

Check Python Version Windows 7 (Exact Steps)

Three steps to check the Python version on your Win 7 operating system.

1. Open the command prompt application: Press the Windows key to open the start screen. In the search box type “command”. Click on the command prompt application.
2. Execute command : type python —version and press enter.
3. The Python version appears in the next line right below your command.

Check Python Version Mac (Exact Steps)

Four steps to check the Python version on your Mac operating system.

1. Press CMD + Space to open Spotlight.
2. Type “terminal” and press enter.
3. Execute command : type python —version or python -V and press enter.
4. The Python version appears in the next line below your command.

Check Python Version Linux (Exact Steps)

Three steps to check the Python version on your Linux operating system.

1. Open the terminal application (for example, bash).
2. Execute command : type in python —version or python -V and press enter.
3. The Python version appears in the next line below your command.

Check Python Version Ubuntu (Exact Steps)

Four steps to check the Python version on your Ubuntu operating system.

1. Open Dash: click the upper left symbol.
2. Open terminal: type “terminal”, click on the terminal app.
3. Execute command : type python —version or python -V and press enter.
4. The Python version appears in the next line right below your command.

Do you need to google important Python keywords again and again? Simply download this popular Python cheat sheet, print the high-resolution PDF, and pin it to your office wall: 🐍

Check Your Python Version in Anaconda (Exact Steps)

You can choose from different alternatives.

• To check your Anaconda version, run conda -V or conda —version in your anaconda prompt. You can open the anaconda prompt by searching for “anaconda prompt” in your OS’s search field.
• An alternative to get your Anaconda version is to run conda list anaconda .
• The shorter command conda list lists the name, version, and build details of your installed packages.
• To learn about your environment details, run conda info with the optional flag –envs to see all your environments.
• To check your Python version, run python -V or python —version in your terminal.

Related Material: Please find more detailed information about setting up your environment here. You can download an informative Anaconda cheat sheet here.

Check Your Python Version in Spyder (Exact Steps)

In your Spyder code editor, it’s even simpler to check your Python version. Just run any script and the version information will appear in the first line before the output of your script.

[History] What are the Different Python Versions?

Python has three main versions: version 1, version 2, and version 3. Version 4 is currently (2020) under development.

Here is the version history from Wikipedia and the official docs.

Python 3.0 – December 3, 2008

• Python 3.8.2 ― released on 24 February 2020.
• Python 3.8.1 ― released on 18 December 2019.
• Python 3.8.0 ― released on 14 October 2019.
• Python 3.7.7 ― released on 10 March 2020.
• Python 3.7.6 ― released on 18 December 2019.
• Python 3.7.5 ― released on 15 October 2019.
• Python 3.7.4 ― released on 08 July 2019.
• Python 3.7.3 ― released on 25 March 2019.
• Python 3.7.2 ― released on 24 December 2018.
• Python 3.7.1 ― released on 20 October 2018.
• Python 3.7.0 ― released on 27 June 2018.
• Python 3.6.10 ― released on 18 December 2019.
• Python 3.6.9 ― released on 02 July 2019.
• Python 3.6.8 ― released on 24 December 2018.
• Python 3.6.7 ― released on 20 October 2018.
• Python 3.6.6 ― released on 27 June 2018.
• Python 3.6.5 ― released on 28 March 2018.
• Python 3.6.4 ― released on 19 December 2017.
• Python 3.6.3 ― released on 03 October 2017.
• Python 3.6.2 ― released on 17 July 2017.
• Python 3.6.1 ― released on 21 March 2017.
• Python 3.6.0 ― released on 23 December 2016.
• Python 3.5.8 ― released on 29 October 2019.
• Python 3.5.7 ― released on 18 March 2019.
• Python 3.5.6 ― released on 8 August 2018.
• Python 3.5.5 ― released on 4 February 2018.
• Python 3.5.4 ― released on 25 July 2017.
• Python 3.5.3 ― released on 17 January 2017.
• Python 3.5.2 ― released on 27 June 2016.
• Python 3.5.1 ― released on 07 December 2015.
• Python 3.5.0 ― released on 13 September 2015.
• Python 3.4.10 ― released on 18 March 2019.
• Python 3.4.9 ― released on 8 August 2018.
• Python 3.4.8 ― released on 4 February 2018.
• Python 3.4.7 ― released on 25 July 2017.
• Python 3.4.6 ― released on 17 January 2017.
• Python 3.4.5 ― released on 26 June 2016.
• Python 3.4.4 ― released on 06 December 2015.
• Python 3.4.3 ― released on 25 February 2015.
• Python 3.4.2 ― released on 4 October 2014.
• Python 3.4.1 ― released on 18 May 2014.
• Python 3.4.0 ― released on 16 March 2014.
• Python 3.3.7 ― released on 19 September 2017.
• Python 3.3.6 ― released on 12 October 2014.
• Python 3.3.5 ― released on 9 March 2014.
• Python 3.3.4 ― released on 9 February 2014.
• Python 3.3.3 ― released on 17 November 2013.
• Python 3.3.2 ― released on 15 May 2013.
• Python 3.3.1 ― released on 7 April 2013.
• Python 3.3.0 ― released on 29 September 2012.
• Python 3.2.6 ― released on 11 October 2014.
• Python 3.2.5 ― released on 15 May 2013.
• Python 3.2.4 ― released on 7 April 2013.
• Python 3.2.3 ― released on 10 April 2012.
• Python 3.2.2 ― released on 4 September 2011.
• Python 3.2.1 ― released on 10 July 2011.
• Python 3.2 ― released on 20 February 2011.
• Python 3.1.5 ― released on 9 April 2012.
• Python 3.1.4 ― released on 11 June 2011.
• Python 3.1.3 ― released on 27 November 2010.
• Python 3.1.2 ― released on 21 March 2010.
• Python 3.1.1 ― released on 17 August 2009.
• Python 3.1 ― released on 27 June 2009.
• Python 3.0.1 ― released on 13 February 2009.
• Python 3.0 ― released on 3 December 2008.

Python 2.0 – October 16, 2000

• Python 2.7.17 ― released on 19 October 2019
• Python 2.7.16 ― released on 02 March 2019
• Python 2.7.15 ― released on 30 April 2018
• Python 2.7.14 ― released on 16 September 2017
• Python 2.7.13 ― released on 17 December 2016
• Python 2.7.12 ― released on 26 June 2016.
• Python 2.7.11 ― released on 5 December 2015.
• Python 2.7.10 ― released on 23 May 2015.
• Python 2.7.9 ― released on 10 December 2014.
• Python 2.7.8 ― released on 1 July 2014.
• Python 2.7.7 ― released on 31 May 2014.
• Python 2.7.6 ― released on 10 November 2013.
• Python 2.7.5 ― released on 15 May 2013.
• Python 2.7.4 ― released on 6 April 2013.
• Python 2.7.3 ― released on 9 April 2012.
• Python 2.7.2 ― released on 11 June 2011.
• Python 2.7.1 ― released on 27 November 2010.
• Python 2.7 ― released on 4 July 2010.
• Python 2.6.9 ― released on 29 October 2013.
• Python 2.6.8 ― released on 10 April 2012.
• Python 2.6.7 ― released on 3 June 2011.
• Python 2.6.6 ― released on 24 August 2010.
• Python 2.6.5 ― released on 19 March 2010.
• Python 2.6.4 ― released on 25 October 2009.
• Python 2.6.3 ― released on 2 October 2009.
• Python 2.6.2 ― released on 14 April 2009.
• Python 2.6.1 ― released on 4 December 2008.
• Python 2.6 ― released on 1 October 2008.
• Python 2.5.4 ― released on 23 December 2008.
• Python 2.5.3 ― released on 19 December 2008.
• Python 2.5.2 ― released on 21 February 2008.
• Python 2.5.1 ― released on 18 April 2007.
• Python 2.5 ― released on 19 September 2006.
• Python 2.4.4 ― released on 18 October 2006.
• Python 2.4.3 ― released on 29 March 2006.
• Python 2.4.2 ― released on 28 September 2005.
• Python 2.4.1 ― released on 30 March 2005.
• Python 2.4 ― released on 30 November 2004.
• Python 2.3.5 ― released on 8 February 2005.
• Python 2.3.4 ― released on 27 May 2004.
• Python 2.3.3 ― released on 19 December 2003.
• Python 2.3.2 ― released on 3 October 2003.
• Python 2.3.1 ― released on 23 September 2003.
• Python 2.3 ― released on 29 July 2003.
• Python 2.2.3 ― released on 30 May 2003.
• Python 2.2.2 ― released on 14 October 2002.
• Python 2.2.1 ― released on 10 April 2002.
• Python 2.2p1 ― released on 29 March 2002.
• Python 2.2 ― released on 21 December 2001.
• Python 2.1.3 ― released on 8 April 2002.
• Python 2.1.2 ― released on 16 January 2002.
• Python 2.1.1 ― released on 20 July 2001.
• Python 2.1 ― released on 15 April 2001.
• Python 2.0.1 ― released on 22 June 2001.
• Python 2.0 ― released on 16 October 2000.

Python 1.0 – January 1994

• Python 1.6 ― released on 5 September 2000.
• Python 1.5.2p2 ― released on 22 March 2000.
• Python 1.5.2p1 ― released on 6 July 1999.
• Python 1.5.2 ― released on 30 April 1999.
• Python 1.5.1p1 ― released on 6 August 1998.
• Python 1.5.1 ― released on 14 April 1998.
• Python 1.5 ― released on 17 February 1998.
• Python 1.4 ― released on 25 October 1996.

Python 0.9.0 – February 20, 1991

• Python 0.9.1 ― released on February 1991
• Python 0.9.2 ― released on Autumn, 1991
• Python 0.9.4 ― released on December 24, 1991
• Python 0.9.5 ― released on January 2, 1992
• Python 0.9.6 ― released on April 6, 1992
• Python 0.9.8 ― released on January 9, 1993
• Python 0.9.9 ― released on July 29, 1993

As there are some significant differences in syntax, you should always install the latest version in Python. Keep yourself updated on the official Python website here.

How to Upgrade to a Newer Version?

If you are not using a virtual environment, go to python.org/downloads to download and install whatever version you need. It’s the easiest way to upgrade Python.

But now you’ll run into the following problem: how do I run a specific Python version? Check out this StackOverflow answer to learn the exact steps.

Or you can make your life easier by using virtual environments. These let you have multiple versions of Python installed on your system. Plus, you can switch between them instantaneously. One option is to use the built-in module venv. If you’re a Data Scientist, the industry standard is Anaconda.

Installing and upgrading different Python versions is easy when you use virtual environments. For a full tutorial of virtual environments, read over our introductory Finxter blog article.

How to Check if Python 3 is Installed?

If you’ve installed multiple installations of Python, running python —version may give you only the version of Python 2. To check which version of Python 3 is installed on your computer, simply run the command python3 —version instead of python —version .

How to Check Python Version – Detailed

Not only does Python have major, minor and micro versions. Each of those versions has further versions, namely the release level and serial.

These are displayed when you run

In the above code, I am running Python 3.8.0.

Most of the time, you will only care about the major, minor and micro releases. Release level and serial are usually for the core Python Dev team to work on changes to the language.

The possible release levels are ‘alpha’, ‘beta’, ‘candidate’, or ‘final’. Alpha contains the first updates made to the language. Beta means the language can be tested with some users but still won’t work perfectly. This is where the phrase ‘beta testers’ comes from. A ‘candidate’ has only a few small bugs left to fix. Final is the last version and the one released to the general public. If you want to try out new features before anyone else, you can download these release levels. However, if you just want a version of Python that works, you should choose ‘final’. When you download any version of Python, it will be a ‘final’ release unless stated otherwise.

Serial is for the smallest changes. The Python Dev team increments it as they make changes to the alpha, beta and candidate versions. All final versions have serial=0. They add future changes to the next major/minor/micro releases.

How to Make Sure My Script Runs a Specific Python Version?

Let’s say you’ve just installed Python 3.8. Your script, my_file.py , uses a brand new feature: reversed() when iterating over a dictionary. For other people to run this script, they must also run Python 3.8. So you should put a check at the start to let other users know this.

We do this by adding an assert statement at the top of my_file.py

The assert statement raises an AssertionError if the statement is False. If the statement is True, the script continues to run.

For example, if I am running Python 3.7 and execute my_file.py from the terminal, this happens

But if I am running Python 3.8, the assert statement does not raise an error, and it executes the rest of the script.

Note: I have used the Anaconda virtual environment to install and quickly switch between multiple Python versions.

Summary

Check the Python version by typing python —version in your operating system shell or command line. To get more detailed information about the environment your Python program runs in, try import sys; sys.version in your Python shell (interactive or normal mode).

Where to Go From Here?

Enough theory, let’s get some practice!

To become successful in coding, you need to get out there and solve real problems for real people. That’s how you can become a six-figure earner easily. And that’s how you polish the skills you really need in practice. After all, what’s the use of learning theory that nobody ever needs?

Practice projects is how you sharpen your saw in coding!

Do you want to become a code master by focusing on practical code projects that actually earn you money and solve problems for people?

Then become a Python freelance developer! It’s the best way of approaching the task of improving your Python skills—even if you are a complete beginner.

Join my free webinar “How to Build Your High-Income Skill Python” and watch how I grew my coding business online and how you can, too—from the comfort of your own home.

While working as a researcher in distributed systems, Dr. Christian Mayer found his love for teaching computer science students.

To help students reach higher levels of Python success, he founded the programming education website Finxter.com. He’s author of the popular programming book Python One-Liners (NoStarch 2020), coauthor of the Coffee Break Python series of self-published books, computer science enthusiast, freelancer, and owner of one of the top 10 largest Python blogs worldwide.

His passions are writing, reading, and coding. But his greatest passion is to serve aspiring coders through Finxter and help them to boost their skills. You can join his free email academy here.

Источник