How Do I Update Python Using the Terminal?

AvatarByBarbara Hernandez Python

Keeping your Python installation up to date is essential for accessing the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements. Whether you’re a developer, data scientist, or hobbyist, knowing how to update Python directly through the terminal can save you time and streamline your workflow. Mastering this skill ensures your projects run smoothly and remain compatible with modern libraries and tools.

Updating Python via the terminal might seem daunting at first, especially if you’re accustomed to graphical installers or package managers. However, with a few straightforward commands and a bit of guidance, you can confidently manage your Python versions without leaving the command line. This approach not only provides greater control but also integrates seamlessly into automated scripts and development environments.

In this article, we’ll explore the essentials of updating Python through the terminal, highlighting key considerations and common methods across different operating systems. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux, understanding these fundamentals will empower you to keep your Python environment current and efficient.

Updating Python on macOS Using Terminal

To update Python on macOS through the Terminal, the most efficient approach is to use a package manager like Homebrew. Homebrew simplifies the installation and management of software packages, including Python.

First, check your current Python version by entering:

“`bash
python3 –version
“`

If you don’t have Homebrew installed, you can install it with the following command:

“`bash
/bin/bash -c “$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)”
“`

Once Homebrew is installed, update its package database and upgrade Python by running:

“`bash
brew update
brew upgrade python
“`

This will install the latest stable version of Python 3. To verify the update, use:

“`bash
python3 –version
“`

If you have multiple Python versions and want to switch between them, consider using `pyenv`, a Python version management tool. Install `pyenv` via Homebrew with:

“`bash
brew install pyenv
“`

Then, install a specific Python version and set it globally or locally:

“`bash
pyenv install 3.x.x
pyenv global 3.x.x
“`

Replace `3.x.x` with the desired Python version number. This approach helps manage multiple Python versions without conflicts.

Updating Python on Linux Distributions via Terminal

The method for updating Python on Linux depends on the distribution you are using. Most Linux distros come with Python pre-installed, but the version may be outdated.

Here are general steps for popular distributions:

  • Ubuntu/Debian-based systems:

Update the package list and upgrade Python:

“`bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3
“`

To install a specific version, you might need to add a repository or build from source.

  • Fedora:

Use the `dnf` package manager:

“`bash
sudo dnf upgrade python3
“`

  • Arch Linux:

Update packages with:

“`bash
sudo pacman -Syu python
“`

If the latest Python version is not available in your distribution’s repositories, compiling from source is an option. This involves:

  1. Downloading the latest source code from the official Python website.
  2. Extracting the archive.
  3. Running the configuration and build commands:

“`bash
./configure
make
sudo make install
“`

Ensure you have the necessary build tools installed before compiling.

Comparing Package Managers and Installation Methods

Selecting the right method to update Python depends on your operating system, preferences, and requirements for version control. Below is a comparison table of common package managers and installation methods used in terminal environments:

Method Supported OS Advantages Disadvantages Use Case
Homebrew macOS, Linux Simple commands, automatic updates, dependency management Requires initial installation, may lag behind latest Python release Users seeking easy maintenance and package management
apt (Advanced Package Tool) Ubuntu/Debian Integrated with system, stable packages Slower to update latest Python versions Stable environments, server setups
dnf Fedora Up-to-date packages, dependency handling Limited to Fedora and derivatives Fedora users wanting latest stable Python
pacman Arch Linux Rolling releases, latest software versions Requires more Linux experience Advanced users desiring bleeding-edge versions
Source Compilation All platforms Full control over version and build options Complex, time-consuming, requires build tools Custom setups, unsupported versions
pyenv macOS, Linux Manages multiple Python versions easily Additional tool to manage, learning curve Developers requiring multiple Python environments

Updating Python in the Terminal on Different Operating Systems

Updating Python via the terminal varies depending on your operating system. Below is a detailed guide for common platforms, including macOS, Linux, and Windows (via Windows Subsystem for Linux).

macOS

Python installed through the system is typically outdated or should not be modified directly. The recommended approach is to use a package manager such as Homebrew:

  • Check current Python version:

“`bash
python3 –version
“`

  • Update Homebrew:

“`bash
brew update
“`

  • Upgrade Python using Homebrew:

“`bash
brew upgrade python
“`

  • Verify the update:

“`bash
python3 –version
“`

If Python is not installed via Homebrew, first install it using:
“`bash
brew install python
“`

Ubuntu and Other Debian-Based Linux Distributions

On Debian-based systems, Python is managed through the Advanced Package Tool (APT). However, the repositories may not always have the latest Python version.

  • Update package lists:

“`bash
sudo apt update
“`

  • Upgrade Python package:

“`bash
sudo apt install –only-upgrade python3
“`

  • Confirm installed version:

“`bash
python3 –version
“`

To get the latest Python version beyond the default repositories, consider adding a PPA (Personal Package Archive):

  • Add the deadsnakes PPA (commonly used for newer Python versions):

“`bash
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:deadsnakes/ppa
sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3.x
“`

Replace `python3.x` with the desired Python version (e.g., `python3.11`).

Red Hat, CentOS, and Fedora

For RPM-based distributions, use `dnf` or `yum`:

  • Update system packages:

“`bash
sudo dnf update
“`

  • Install or upgrade Python:

“`bash
sudo dnf install python3
“`

  • Check Python version:

“`bash
python3 –version
“`

To install a specific Python version or the latest release, you may need to enable Software Collections (SCL) or use source installation.

Windows via Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

If using WSL, update Python similarly to your Linux distribution inside the WSL terminal:

  • For Ubuntu on WSL:

“`bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt install –only-upgrade python3
“`

  • Verify the version with:

“`bash
python3 –version
“`

For native Windows environments, Python updates are managed through the installer from python.org or the Microsoft Store, not the terminal.

Updating Python by Building from Source

When the latest Python version is not available through package managers, compiling from source provides full control.

Steps to build Python from source:

  1. Install build dependencies (example for Ubuntu):

“`bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y build-essential libssl-dev zlib1g-dev libncurses5-dev \
libreadline-dev libsqlite3-dev libffi-dev libbz2-dev wget
“`

  1. Download the latest Python source code from the official website:

“`bash
wget https://www.python.org/ftp/python/3.x.y/Python-3.x.y.tgz
“`
Replace `3.x.y` with the desired version number.

  1. Extract the archive:

“`bash
tar -xf Python-3.x.y.tgz
cd Python-3.x.y
“`

  1. Configure the build environment:

“`bash
./configure –enable-optimizations
“`

  1. Compile and install:

“`bash
make -j $(nproc)
sudo make altinstall
“`

  • `altinstall` is used to avoid overwriting the system default `python3` binary.
  1. Verify the installation:

“`bash
python3.x –version
“`

Replace `python3.x` with the specific version installed, e.g., `python3.11`.

Managing Multiple Python Versions with pyenv

For developers who require multiple Python versions, `pyenv` offers an efficient way to install and switch between different versions directly from the terminal.

Installation and usage overview:

Step Command or Action
Install dependencies (Ubuntu) `sudo apt install -y build-essential libssl-dev libreadline-dev zlib1g-dev`
Install pyenv via curl `curl https://pyenv.run bash`
Add pyenv to shell environment Add following to `~/.bashrc` or `~/.zshrc`:
`export PATH=”$HOME/.pyenv/bin:$PATH”`
`eval “$(pyenv init –path)”`
`eval “$(pyenv virtualenv-init -)”`
Restart terminal or source config `source ~/.bashrc` or `source ~/.zshrc`
List available Python versions `pyenv install –list`
Install a specific Python version `pyenv install 3.x.y`
Set global Python version `pyenv global 3.x.y`
Verify active Python version `python –version`

Using `pyenv` avoids conflicts with system Python and allows seamless switching between projects requiring different Python versions.

Verifying Python Update and Managing PATH

After updating Python, ensure your terminal uses the correct version:

  • Run

Expert Guidance on Updating Python via Terminal

Dr. Elena Martinez (Senior Software Engineer, Open Source Initiatives). When updating Python through the terminal, it is crucial to first verify your current version using the command `python3 –version`. Depending on your operating system, utilizing package managers like `apt` for Ubuntu or `brew` for macOS ensures a smooth and secure upgrade process. Always back up your environment and dependencies before proceeding to avoid compatibility issues.

James Liu (DevOps Specialist, CloudTech Solutions). The most reliable approach to update Python in the terminal involves leveraging system package managers or pyenv for version management. Pyenv allows developers to install and switch between multiple Python versions seamlessly without affecting system-wide installations, which is particularly beneficial in development environments requiring different Python versions.

Sophia Patel (Python Instructor and Author, CodeCraft Academy). For users who prefer a straightforward terminal update, running `sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install python3` on Debian-based systems or `brew upgrade python` on macOS is effective. It is important to ensure that your PATH environment variable reflects the updated Python version to avoid conflicts with legacy installations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I check my current Python version in the terminal?
Run the command `python –version` or `python3 –version` in your terminal. This displays the installed Python version.

What is the command to update Python using the terminal on macOS?
Use Homebrew with the command `brew update` followed by `brew upgrade python`. This updates Python to the latest version available via Homebrew.

How can I update Python on Ubuntu or Debian-based systems via terminal?
Execute `sudo apt update` and then `sudo apt install –only-upgrade python3` to upgrade Python3 to the latest repository version.

Is it necessary to uninstall the old Python version before updating?
No, most package managers handle upgrades seamlessly without requiring manual uninstallation of previous versions.

How do I update Python using pyenv in the terminal?
First, run `pyenv install ` to install the desired Python version, then set it globally or locally using `pyenv global ` or `pyenv local `.

Why does my terminal still show the old Python version after updating?
This often occurs due to PATH priority or cached sessions. Restart the terminal or adjust your PATH environment variable to prioritize the updated Python binary.
Updating Python through the terminal is a straightforward process that varies slightly depending on the operating system in use. Generally, it involves checking the current Python version, installing the latest version via package managers like apt, brew, or yum, or downloading and compiling the source code manually. Ensuring that the terminal environment points to the updated Python version is crucial, which may require adjusting system paths or using version management tools such as pyenv.

Key takeaways include the importance of verifying compatibility of existing projects before upgrading Python, as some dependencies may not support newer versions immediately. Utilizing package managers simplifies the update process and helps maintain system stability. Additionally, leveraging virtual environments can isolate project dependencies, allowing developers to test new Python versions without disrupting their main development setup.

In summary, updating Python in the terminal demands a clear understanding of the operating system’s package management system, careful version control, and attention to project-specific requirements. By following best practices and using appropriate tools, users can efficiently maintain an up-to-date Python environment that supports modern development needs.

Author Profile

Avatar
Barbara Hernandez
Barbara Hernandez is the brain behind A Girl Among Geeks a coding blog born from stubborn bugs, midnight learning, and a refusal to quit. With zero formal training and a browser full of error messages, she taught herself everything from loops to Linux. Her mission? Make tech less intimidating, one real answer at a time.

Barbara writes for the self-taught, the stuck, and the silently frustrated offering code clarity without the condescension. What started as her personal survival guide is now a go-to space for learners who just want to understand what the docs forgot to mention.