Check existing Python
Most Linux distributions come with Python pre-installed. Let’s check:
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.
Install or update Python
Choose your Linux distribution below:
Ubuntu/Debian
Fedora/RHEL/CentOS
Arch/Manjaro
openSUSE
Alpine
Update package lists
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip python3-venv
sudo apt install python3-dev build-essential
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
Install Python and pip
sudo dnf install python3 python3-pip python3-devel
sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools"
For newer Python versions
# Check available versions
dnf search python3
# Install specific version
sudo dnf install python3.13
Python is usually pre-installed
# If needed, install Python
sudo pacman -S python python-pip
sudo pacman -S base-devel
For specific versions
# Search available versions
pacman -Ss python3
# Install from AUR if needed
yay -S python313
Install Python and pip
sudo zypper install python3 python3-pip python3-devel
Install development pattern
sudo zypper install -t pattern devel_basis
Install Python and pip
apk add python3 py3-pip python3-dev
Verify installation
Check that Python and pip are installed:
python3 --version
pip3 --version
Test Python
- Start Python:
- 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.
>>>
- Try a simple command:
print("Hello from Linux!")
- Exit Python:
- Type
exit() or press Ctrl + D
Troubleshooting
For system packages: Always use sudo:sudo apt install python3-pip
pip3 install --user package-name
python3: command not found
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
# 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
externally-managed-environment error
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
pip3 install --user package-name
sudo apt install pipx
pipx install application-name
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
