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Check existing Python

Most Linux distributions come with Python pre-installed. Let’s check: 
python3 --version
If you see a recent Python 3 version, you’re ready! Most modern Linux distributions include Python 3.
Linux uses python3 to distinguish from the older Python 2. Some distributions let you use just python, but python3 always works.

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Install or update Python

Choose your Linux distribution below:
  • Ubuntu/Debian
  • Fedora/RHEL/CentOS
  • Arch/Manjaro
  • openSUSE
  • Alpine

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Update package lists

sudo apt update

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Install Python and essential tools

sudo apt install python3 python3-pip python3-venv

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Install development headers (for compiling packages)

sudo apt install python3-dev build-essential

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For the latest Python version

If your distribution doesn’t have the latest Python:
# Add the deadsnakes PPA
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:deadsnakes/ppa
sudo apt update

# Install specific version (example: 3.13)
sudo apt install python3.13 python3.13-venv python3.13-dev

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Verify installation

Check that Python and pip are installed: 
python3 --version
pip3 --version
You should see version numbers for both.

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Test Python

  1. Start Python:
python3
  1. You’ll see the Python prompt:
Python 3.13.5 (main, Jul 29 2025, 12:03:01) [GCC 11.2.0] on linux
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>>
  1. Try a simple command:
print("Hello from Linux!")
  1. Exit Python:
    • Type exit() or press Ctrl + D

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Troubleshooting

For system packages: Always use sudo:
sudo apt install python3-pip
For pip packages: Install in user space:
pip3 install --user package-name
Best practice: Use virtual environments to avoid permission issues entirely.
Python isn’t installed. Install it using your package manager:
# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt update && sudo apt install python3

# Fedora
sudo dnf install python3

# Arch
sudo pacman -S python
pip isn’t installed. Fix it.
# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install python3-pip

# Fedora
sudo dnf install python3-pip

# From Python
python3 -m ensurepip
Your distribution has an old Python. Options:

Option 1: Use deadsnakes PPA (Ubuntu/Debian):
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:deadsnakes/ppa
sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3.13
Option 2: Compile from source:
# Install dependencies
sudo apt install build-essential zlib1g-dev libncurses5-dev \
  libgdbm-dev libnss3-dev libssl-dev libreadline-dev \
  libffi-dev libsqlite3-dev wget libbz2-dev

# Download and compile
wget https://www.python.org/ftp/python/3.13.5/Python-3.13.5.tgz
tar -xf Python-3.13.5.tgz
cd Python-3.13.5
./configure --enable-optimizations
make -j $(nproc)
sudo make altinstall
Option 3: Use pyenv for version management

Modern Linux prevents pip from installing system-wide. Solutions:

Use virtual environments (recommended):
python3 -m venv myenv
source myenv/bin/activate
pip install package-name
Install in user directory:
pip3 install --user package-name
Use pipx for applications:
sudo apt install pipx
pipx install application-name

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Next steps

Great! Python is ready on your Linux system. Let’s set up your development environment.

Continue to VS Code introduction

Install and configure Visual Studio Code