> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://python4ai.codewithsiva.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Install on Linux

> Installing Python on Linux distributions

## Check existing Python

Most Linux distributions come with Python pre-installed. Let's check:

```bash theme={null}
python3 --version
```

If you see a recent Python 3 version, you're ready! Most modern Linux distributions include Python 3.

<Note>
  Linux uses `python3` to distinguish from the older Python 2. Some distributions let you use just `python`, but `python3` always works.
</Note>

## Install or update Python

Choose your Linux distribution below:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Ubuntu/Debian">
    ### Update package lists

    ```bash theme={null}
    sudo apt update
    ```

    ### Install Python and essential tools

    ```bash theme={null}
    sudo apt install python3 python3-pip python3-venv
    ```

    ### Install development headers (for compiling packages)

    ```bash theme={null}
    sudo apt install python3-dev build-essential
    ```

    ### For the latest Python version

    If your distribution doesn't have the latest Python:

    ```bash theme={null}
    # 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
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Fedora/RHEL/CentOS">
    ### Install Python and pip

    ```bash theme={null}
    sudo dnf install python3 python3-pip python3-devel
    ```

    ### Install compilation tools

    ```bash theme={null}
    sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools"
    ```

    ### For newer Python versions

    ```bash theme={null}
    # Check available versions
    dnf search python3

    # Install specific version
    sudo dnf install python3.13
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Arch/Manjaro">
    ### Python is usually pre-installed

    ```bash theme={null}
    # If needed, install Python
    sudo pacman -S python python-pip
    ```

    ### Install base development tools

    ```bash theme={null}
    sudo pacman -S base-devel
    ```

    ### For specific versions

    ```bash theme={null}
    # Search available versions
    pacman -Ss python3

    # Install from AUR if needed
    yay -S python313
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="openSUSE">
    ### Install Python and pip

    ```bash theme={null}
    sudo zypper install python3 python3-pip python3-devel
    ```

    ### Install development pattern

    ```bash theme={null}
    sudo zypper install -t pattern devel_basis
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Alpine">
    ### Install Python and pip

    ```bash theme={null}
    apk add python3 py3-pip python3-dev
    ```

    ### Install build tools

    ```bash theme={null}
    apk add build-base
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Verify installation

Check that Python and pip are installed:

```bash theme={null}
python3 --version
pip3 --version
```

You should see version numbers for both.

## Test Python

1. Start Python:

```bash theme={null}
python3
```

2. 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.
>>>
```

3. Try a simple command:

```python theme={null}
print("Hello from Linux!")
```

4. Exit Python:
   * Type `exit()` or press `Ctrl + D`

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Permission denied" icon="lock">
    **For system packages**: Always use `sudo`:

    ```bash theme={null}
    sudo apt install python3-pip
    ```

    **For pip packages**: Install in user space:

    ```bash theme={null}
    pip3 install --user package-name
    ```

    **Best practice**: Use virtual environments to avoid permission issues entirely.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="python3: command not found" icon="circle-exclamation">
    Python isn't installed. Install it using your package manager:

    ```bash theme={null}
    # Ubuntu/Debian
    sudo apt update && sudo apt install python3

    # Fedora
    sudo dnf install python3

    # Arch
    sudo pacman -S python
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="pip3: command not found" icon="box">
    pip isn't installed. Fix it.

    ```bash theme={null}
    # Ubuntu/Debian
    sudo apt install python3-pip

    # Fedora
    sudo dnf install python3-pip

    # From Python
    python3 -m ensurepip
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Outdated Python version" icon="clock">
    Your distribution has an old Python. Options:<br /><br />

    **Option 1**: Use deadsnakes PPA (Ubuntu/Debian):

    ```bash theme={null}
    sudo add-apt-repository ppa:deadsnakes/ppa
    sudo apt update
    sudo apt install python3.13
    ```

    **Option 2**: Compile from source:

    ```bash theme={null}
    # 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<br /><br />
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="externally-managed-environment error" icon="ban">
    Modern Linux prevents pip from installing system-wide. Solutions:<br /><br />

    **Use virtual environments** (recommended):

    ```bash theme={null}
    python3 -m venv myenv
    source myenv/bin/activate
    pip install package-name
    ```

    **Install in user directory**:

    ```bash theme={null}
    pip3 install --user package-name
    ```

    **Use pipx for applications**:

    ```bash theme={null}
    sudo apt install pipx
    pipx install application-name
    ```
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next steps

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

<Card title="Continue to VS Code introduction" icon="arrow-right" href="/getting-started/vscode-introduction">
  Install and configure Visual Studio Code
</Card>