How to Download and Install Python 3 (Latest Version)

Python is one of the most popular programming languages used for web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more. Below are the step-by-step instructions to download and install the latest version of Python 3 on your operating system.

1. Check Your Current Python Version

Before installing, check if Python is already installed on your system:

• Open a terminal or command prompt.
• Type the command:

  python --version
  

  or

  python3 --version
  

If Python is already installed, it will display the version. If not, proceed with the installation steps below.

2. Download Python 3

1. Visit the Official Python Website:
   • Go to https://www.python.org/downloads/.
2. Choose the Latest Version:
   • The website will automatically suggest the latest Python version suitable for your operating system.
   • Example: “Download Python 3.12.2” (the version might vary depending on the release).
3. Download the Installer:
   • Click the Download button to save the installer file to your computer.

3. Install Python 3

For Windows:

1. Run the Installer:
   • Locate the downloaded file (e.g., python-3.x.x.exe) and double-click to run it.
2. Add Python to PATH:
   • On the first screen, check the box labeled “Add Python to PATH”.
   • This step is crucial for running Python from the command line.
3. Install Now:
   • Click “Install Now” to proceed with the default installation.
4. Verify Installation:
   • Open Command Prompt.
   • Type:

     python --version
     

     or

     python3 --version
     

   • The installed Python version should be displayed.

For macOS:

1. Run the Installer:
   • Open the downloaded .pkg file and follow the installation prompts.
2. Add Python to PATH (Optional):
   • macOS may already include Python 2.x, so you might need to use python3 to access the installed version.
3. Verify Installation:
   • Open Terminal and type:

     python3 --version
     

   • The installed Python version should be displayed.

For Linux:

1. Check Pre-installed Python:
   • Many Linux distributions come with Python pre-installed.
   • Check by typing:

     python3 --version
     

2. Install Python Using a Package Manager:
   • If Python is not installed, install it using your distribution’s package manager:

     sudo apt update
     sudo apt install python3
     

   • For Red Hat-based systems:

     sudo yum install python3
     

3. Verify Installation:
   • Type:

     python3 --version
     

4. Install pip (Python Package Manager)

Pip is included by default in recent versions of Python. To check if pip is installed:

pip --version

If pip is missing, install it using:

python -m ensurepip

5. Test Python Installation

1. Open a terminal or command prompt.
2. Enter the Python interactive shell by typing:

   python
   

   or

   python3
   

3. Run a simple command:

   print("Hello, Python!")
   

6. Optional: Install an IDE

For coding in Python, you may install an Integrated Development Environment (IDE):

• Popular IDEs:
  • PyCharm
  • Visual Studio Code
  • Jupyter Notebook
  • Thonny