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3. Installing Python on Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch)

1. Introduction​

Most Linux distributions come with Python preinstalled, but the system version is often outdated.
For development work, it is recommended to install the latest stable Python release using your distribution’s package manager.

2. Checking the Current Python Version​

Before installing, check what version of Python is already on your system:

python3 --version

If you see Python 3.10 or newer, you may already be fine.
If the command fails or the version is older, follow the steps below.

You can also check pip (Python’s package manager):

pip3 --version

If pip is missing, it will need to be installed.

3. Installing on Ubuntu and Debian​

Update package lists:

sudo apt update

Install Python 3 and pip:

sudo apt install python3 python3-pip -y

Verify installation:

python3 --version
pip3 --version

To uninstall (if you need to remove a broken version):

sudo apt remove python3 python3-pip

4. Installing on Fedora​

Update packages:

sudo dnf update -y

Install Python 3 and pip:

sudo dnf install python3 python3-pip -y

Verify installation:

python3 --version
pip3 --version

Uninstall if needed:

sudo dnf remove python3 python3-pip

5. Installing on Arch Linux​

Update the system:

sudo pacman -Syu

Install Python and pip:

sudo pacman -S python python-pip

Verify installation:

python --version
pip --version

Uninstall if needed:

sudo pacman -R python python-pip

6. Building from Source (Advanced Users)​

If you want the very latest Python release:

  1. Download the source from https://www.python.org/ftp/python/.
  2. Extract and compile:
tar -xf Python-3.x.x.tgz
cd Python-3.x.x
./configure --enable-optimizations
make
sudo make install
  1. Verify installation:
python3 --version

7. Troubleshooting​

  • Command not found: Try python3 instead of python, or check your PATH with:
which python3
  • pip missing: Install separately if not included:
sudo apt install python3-pip -y     # Ubuntu/Debian
sudo dnf install python3-pip -y     # Fedora
sudo pacman -S python-pip           # Arch
  • Multiple versions installed: Use update-alternatives (Debian/Ubuntu) to switch default versions.

8. Next Steps​

✅ Python is now installed and ready on your Linux system.
In the next chapter, we will set up IDLE, Python’s built-in editor, to start writing your first programs.