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Python Installation — Quick-Pick

Choose your OS and get Python installed in minutes. Covers Windows, WSL/Ubuntu, macOS, and Linux with recommended versions and verification steps.

python install Apr 25, 2026
2 min read 3 snippets yesterday quick read

Python Installation — Quick-Pick#

VersionStatusNotes
3.12LTS — recommendedLong-term support, stable ecosystem
3.13CurrentReleased Oct 2024; most packages support it
3.11SupportedStill widely used; avoid for new projects
< 3.10End-of-lifeDo not use for new work

Always use a version ≥ 3.12 for new projects unless a dependency forces otherwise.

Quick install by OS#

OSCommandDetailed guide
Windowswinget install Python.Python.3.12Installation — Windows
WSL / Ubuntusudo apt install python3 python3-pip python3-venvInstallation — WSL Ubuntu
macOSbrew install python@3.12Installation — macOS
Linuxsudo apt install python3 python3-pip python3-venvInstallation — Linux

Verify any installation#

python --version
python3 --version
pip --version

Output:

Python 3.12.3
Python 3.12.3
pip 24.0 from /usr/lib/python3/dist-packages/pip (python 3.12)

[!NOTE] On Linux and macOS the default command may be python3, not python. Always check which one points to your intended version.

After installing#

Set up a virtual environment before installing any packages:

python -m venv .venv
source .venv/bin/activate   # Linux / macOS / WSL
.venv\Scripts\activate      # Windows PowerShell

See Virtual Environments for full details.