Installation

Installing Python is the first essential step. Without a properly configured environment, no project will run. That’s why it’s important not just to download the interpreter, but to understand where to get it from, how to configure it, and how to make sure everything is working correctly. Python is considered one of the most accessible programming languages for beginners, but it still requires precise installation—especially if you already have multiple versions installed or work on different devices. If you want to learn programming systematically, start with a proper installation. It will save you time and avoid issues in future projects.

Ways to Install Python Depending on the Operating System

How to Install Python on Windows 10?

If you’re working on Windows 10 and planning to learn programming, installing the interpreter will be your first required step. This system doesn’t come with Python pre-installed, so it must be done manually. The stability and compatibility with code editors depend on your choice of source, version, and installation method. Below are two proven methods—via the official installer and the Microsoft Store.

Installing via the official installer from python.org

If you want full control over the interpreter version by installing from the official website, follow these steps:

1. Go to the website.
2. Click on the Download Python 3.x.x button (the current version will be shown automatically).
3. Download the .exe installer file—choose Windows Installer (64-bit) if you have a 64-bit system.
4. Run the installer as administrator (right-click → Run as administrator).
5. Before clicking "Install Now", be sure to check the option "Add Python 3.x to PATH"—this ensures the language will be available from the command line.
6. Then click "Install Now".
   If you want to set a custom installation path, choose Customize Installation, specify the desired directory, and check additional options (like pip and documentation).
7. Wait for the installation to complete—this will take about 1–2 minutes.
8. Click "Close" after it finishes.

After installation, check the result:

• Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
• In the command prompt, type:

If the installed version appears, such as Python 3.13.2, everything is set up correctly.

Installing from Microsoft Store

This is an alternative and simpler method, but it has some limitations.

1. Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu or search.
2. Search for: Python 3.12 (or the latest version).
3. Find the official version by Python Software Foundation and click "Get" (or "Install").
4. Wait for the download and installation to complete.

After installation, you can:

• Open the command prompt and type python.
• Launch the REPL or run a .py file.

Note: the version from Microsoft Store is installed in the user directory (e.g., C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps). For this reason, it may not be available in some code editors without additional configuration.

If typing python in the terminal results in an error or nothing runs, manually configure the PATH variable or use the official installer from python.org.

How to Install Python on Windows 11?

The installation process on Windows 11 is almost identical to the one above. However, this system has one important default behavior: if you open the terminal and type python before installing, it will suggest downloading the interpreter directly from the Microsoft Store.

This “automatic integration” can be misleading:

• It installs a limited version without pip.
• There are no advanced configuration options (install path, extensions, PATH setup).
• You may face issues when launching it from third-party IDEs.

Recommendation: download the language from the official website—this ensures full compatibility, especially if you plan to use Visual Studio Code or other editors. The python.org installer offers flexible setup, pip support, IDLE, and quick integration with system variables.

Also note: on Windows 11, Windows Terminal launches with PowerShell by default. For some commands (python, pip), it’s better to use the classic command prompt (cmd) to avoid command issues.

How to Install Python on macOS?

macOS devices come with a preinstalled but outdated version of the interpreter (2.7), which is no longer supported and not suitable for learning. To start working with the current version of the language, you need to install it manually. You have two convenient options: using the official installer from the developer’s website or installing via Homebrew — the package manager for macOS. Both methods are beginner-friendly but offer different levels of control over your environment.

Installing via the Official Installer

This is a reliable way to get the latest stable version of the interpreter from the official website, regardless of the version preinstalled on your system.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Go to the website
2. Click Download Python 3.x.x — a .pkg file for macOS (universal installer) will be downloaded.
3. Open the downloaded file — the installer will launch automatically.
4. Click "Continue", then "Install", enter your administrator password, and wait for the process to finish.
5. After installation, open the Terminal app (via Spotlight search or in the Utilities section).
6. Enter the command:

If you see a message like Python 3.13.2, the installation was successful.

Why use python3 instead of python?

macOS includes an outdated version of Python 2.7 by default, which is launched using the python command. Therefore, to use the current interpreter, always use python3.

Installing via Homebrew

If you prefer managing packages through the terminal, we recommend using Homebrew — it’s especially convenient for developers and users who work with multiple versions of Python and various libraries.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Make sure Homebrew is installed. If not — install it with:

2. Update Homebrew:

3. Install the interpreter:

4. After installation is complete, check the installed versions:

Homebrew automatically adds Python to the system PATH and installs pip as well.

Advantages of the Homebrew method:

• Easy updates via brew upgrade python
• Simple management of multiple versions
• Quick reinstallation if problems occur
• Full control through the terminal

Recommendation: always use python3 and pip3 in your commands to avoid conflicts with the system’s Python 2.7 version.

How to Install Python on Linux?

Most Linux distributions come with Python pre-installed. However, it’s often an outdated version, or the system doesn’t allow flexible management of multiple installations. That’s why it’s important to know how to update the interpreter, install specific versions, and manage your environment using package managers.

Depending on your distribution, there are two main methods: via APT (for Debian/Ubuntu-based systems) and Homebrew (for more universal version control).

Installing Python via Homebrew

This method is ideal for developers who need flexibility with dependencies, version management, and prefer a unified approach across platforms (Linux, macOS).

1. Install Homebrew. Open the terminal and run the following command:

The system will download the installation script and prompt for your administrator password. Wait for the installation to complete.

2. Add Homebrew to PATH (if not added automatically):

3. Install the latest version of Python:

4. Verify that everything is working:

Tip: When using Homebrew, always use python3 and pip3 to avoid conflicts with the system’s Python version.

Installing Python via APT (Ubuntu, Debian)

If you are using a Debian-based distribution (such as Ubuntu or Linux Mint), it’s easier and faster to use the built-in APT package manager.

1. Update the package list:

2. Install the Python interpreter:

3. Install the pip package manager:

4. Check the installation:

Note: The python and pip commands may point to an outdated version. Always use python3 and pip3.

How to Install Python on iOS?

The iOS operating system imposes restrictions on installing interpreters and executing code directly. However, alternative solutions are available for learning the basics of the language and writing simple scripts. These are suitable for education, syntax practice, and small projects within a sandbox environment.

Pythonista

• Available on the App Store (search: Pythonista 3).
• Price: about $10 (one-time purchase).
• Provides a full development environment: code editor, console, built-in modules, graphics support, and file handling.
• Works offline and doesn’t require server access.
• Supports libraries like matplotlib, numpy, and UI interaction.

Advantages:

• Very close to a real IDE.
• Ideal for regular practice.
• Allows saving and running scripts directly on the device.

Pyto

• Free alternative to Pythonista, also available on the App Store.
• Supports installation of external libraries (e.g., via pip).
• Runs Python 3 with a simple interface and terminal.
• Enables script execution, library imports, and basic project development.

Limitations:

• No full support for system calls.
• Cannot run background processes or use heavy libraries like TensorFlow.

Conclusion: For beginners, Pyto is a great free start. For regular practice and offline projects, Pythonista is a better option.

How to Install Python on Android?

Android is a more flexible platform compared to iOS, allowing the Python interpreter to run directly on your phone or tablet. There are ready-to-use solutions with user-friendly interfaces, library support, and terminal access.

Pydroid 3

• Available on Google Play (search: Pydroid 3).
• Lets you write, run, and debug code directly on the device.
  Includes:
  • Code editor with syntax highlighting.
  • Command-line terminal.
  • pip manager for installing libraries.
  • Graphics support (e.g., matplotlib, kivy).

Advantages:

• Setup and launch within 2–3 minutes.
• No root access required.
• Supports most popular libraries.

Limitations:

• Some modules require separate downloads (via Pydroid repository).
• Cannot integrate with external IDEs.

Termux

• A more advanced alternative.
• Installable via F-Droid (or Google Play, with limitations).
• After installation, manually install Python:

• Supports full command-line interface, environment setup, pip, and git.

Recommended for advanced users. Beginners should start with Pydroid 3.

Summary: If you want to learn Python on Android — start with Pydroid. It’s intuitive, stable, and supports most learning needs. Termux is best for users seeking a desktop-like environment.

FAQ