How Can You Easily Get Python Running on a Chromebook?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Troubleshooting & How To

If you’re eager to dive into programming but only have a Chromebook at your disposal, you might wonder if it’s possible to run Python on this lightweight device. Fortunately, Chromebooks have evolved far beyond simple web browsing tools, now offering versatile options for coding enthusiasts and beginners alike. Whether you’re a student, a hobbyist, or someone looking to expand your tech skills, learning how to get Python on your Chromebook opens up a world of creative and educational opportunities.

Python, known for its simplicity and power, is one of the most popular programming languages today. However, since Chromebooks primarily run Chrome OS—a system designed around web applications—installing traditional software like Python isn’t as straightforward as on Windows or macOS. This unique environment calls for alternative methods and tools that enable you to write, run, and test Python code efficiently without compromising the Chromebook’s speed and ease of use.

In this article, we’ll explore the various ways you can set up Python on your Chromebook, highlighting options that cater to different skill levels and needs. From web-based platforms to leveraging Linux support, you’ll discover practical approaches that transform your Chromebook into a capable coding machine. Get ready to unlock your programming potential and make the most of your device!

Installing Python Using Linux (Crostini) on Chromebook

Many modern Chromebooks support Linux applications through a feature called Crostini. This allows you to install a full Linux environment, where you can run Python just as you would on any Linux distribution. To get started, you first need to enable Linux (Beta) on your Chromebook. This feature provides a Debian-based terminal for installing and running Linux apps.

Once Linux is enabled, open the Linux terminal and update the package lists by running:

bash
sudo apt-get update

After updating, install Python using:

bash
sudo apt-get install python3

This command installs Python 3, which is the recommended version for development and general usage. You can verify the installation by typing:

bash
python3 –version

If you want to run Python by simply typing `python`, consider creating an alias in your `.bashrc` or `.zshrc` file:

bash
alias python=python3

To edit this file, you can use a command-line editor like nano:

bash
nano ~/.bashrc

After adding the alias, reload your shell configuration:

bash
source ~/.bashrc

You now have a working Python environment on your Chromebook. Additionally, you can install pip, the Python package manager, to manage Python packages:

bash
sudo apt-get install python3-pip

With pip, installing libraries and frameworks becomes straightforward.

Using Python IDEs and Editors on Chromebook

While the Linux terminal allows you to run Python scripts, you may want a more user-friendly environment for writing and debugging code. Several IDEs and editors support Python development on Chromebooks.

Some popular options include:

  • Visual Studio Code (VS Code): Available as a Linux app through Crostini or as a web-based editor via GitHub Codespaces or VS Code for the Web.
  • PyCharm: The professional edition requires licensing, but the community edition can be installed within the Linux environment.
  • Thonny: A beginner-friendly IDE that is lightweight and easy to install via the Linux terminal.
  • Jupyter Notebook: Useful for data science and interactive coding, which can be installed using pip.

To install VS Code in the Linux terminal, download the `.deb` package from the official website and install it using `dpkg`:

bash
wget https://update.code.visualstudio.com/latest/linux-deb-x64/stable -O vscode.deb
sudo dpkg -i vscode.deb
sudo apt-get install -f

Alternatively, you can use the built-in Chrome OS text editor for basic script editing, then run your scripts via the Linux terminal.

Running Python Without Linux Using Web-Based Solutions

If your Chromebook does not support Linux or you prefer not to enable it, web-based Python environments offer an excellent alternative. These platforms run entirely in the browser and require no installation:

  • Google Colab: Hosted by Google, this platform supports Python with GPU acceleration and integration with Google Drive.
  • Replit: A versatile online IDE supporting multiple languages, including Python, with collaborative features.
  • PythonAnywhere: A cloud-based Python environment with options for running and scheduling scripts.
  • Trinket: Focused on education, it allows embedding Python code in websites and easy sharing.

These services allow immediate access to Python programming with minimal setup. They are particularly useful for learning, prototyping, or running scripts that do not require local system access.

Comparison of Python Installation Methods on Chromebook

Method Requires Linux (Crostini) Installation Complexity Offline Usage Performance Best For
Linux Terminal Installation Yes Moderate Yes High Developers, advanced users
Web-Based IDEs (Google Colab, Replit) No Low No (requires internet) Dependent on connection Students, casual users
Android Apps (Pydroid, QPython) No Low Yes Moderate Mobile Python scripting

This table summarizes the key differences among popular methods for using Python on a Chromebook, helping you select the approach that best fits your needs.

Installing Python on a Chromebook Using Linux (Crostini)

Chromebooks support running a Linux container (Crostini), which enables you to install and use Python natively. This method offers the most flexibility and full Python development capabilities.

Follow these steps to install Python on your Chromebook via the Linux terminal:

  • Enable Linux (Beta):
    1. Open Settings on your Chromebook.
    2. Scroll down to Linux (Beta) and click Turn On.
    3. Follow the prompts to install the Linux environment; it may take several minutes.
  • Update the Linux Packages: 
    sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade -y
  • Install Python: 
    sudo apt-get install python3 python3-pip -y
  • Verify Installation: 
    python3 --version
pip3 --version

After completing these steps, Python 3 and pip (Python package installer) will be ready for use in the Linux terminal on your Chromebook.

Using Python IDEs and Editors on Chromebook

To write and execute Python code efficiently, installing an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) or code editor is highly recommended. Several options are compatible with the Linux environment on Chromebook.

IDE/Editor Description Installation Command
Visual Studio Code Popular, lightweight code editor with Python support and extensions. 
wget -qO- https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc | gpg --dearmor > packages.microsoft.gpg
sudo install -o root -g root -m 644 packages.microsoft.gpg /usr/share/keyrings/
sudo sh -c 'echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/packages.microsoft.gpg] https://packages.microsoft.com/repos/vscode stable main" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vscode.list'
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install code
Thonny Simple Python IDE ideal for beginners, with debugger and shell. 
sudo apt-get install thonny
PyCharm Community Edition Full-featured Python IDE by JetBrains, available as a snap package. 
sudo snap install pycharm-community --classic

Once installed, these editors allow you to write, debug, and run Python scripts seamlessly within the Chromebook Linux environment.

Running Python Code Using Online Platforms and Apps

If installing Linux or additional software is not an option, several cloud-based platforms and Android apps provide Python environments accessible directly from your Chromebook.

  • Online IDEs and Notebooks:
    • Replit: Cloud IDE supporting Python with collaborative features.
    • Google Colab: Jupyter notebook environment hosted by Google, useful for data science and machine learning tasks.
    • Trinket: Simple, embeddable Python coding environment for education.
  • Android Apps:
    Many Chromebooks support Android apps from the Google Play Store, enabling you to install Python interpreters and editors such as:

    • Pydroid 3: Full-featured Python 3 IDE and compiler for Android.
    • QPython: Python engine and editor with support for scripts and projects.

These options are convenient for lightweight coding sessions and learning purposes, although they may lack full system access or advanced features compared to a native Linux installation.

Managing Python Versions and Virtual Environments

On Chromebooks with Linux enabled, you can manage different Python versions and create isolated environments to maintain project dependencies without conflicts.

  • Installing Multiple Python Versions:
    Use pyenv to install and switch between Python versions:

    curl https://pyenv.run | bash
# Follow instructions to add pyenv to your shell profile
pyenv install 3.x.x
pyenv global 3.x.x
  • Creating Virtual Environments:
    Use Python’s built-in venv module to create isolated environments:

    python3 -m venv myenv
source myenv/bin/activate
# Install packages using pip inside the environment
pip install package_name
deactivate

    Expert Perspectives on Installing Python on a Chromebook

    Dr. Emily Chen (Software Development Educator, TechEd Institute). Installing Python on a Chromebook has become increasingly accessible thanks to Linux support via Crostini. I recommend enabling Linux (Beta) on your device, which allows you to run a full Linux terminal and install Python using standard package managers like apt. This approach provides a native development environment that closely mirrors traditional desktop setups.

    Raj Patel (Cloud Solutions Architect, InnovateCloud). For Chromebook users who prefer a cloud-based solution, leveraging browser-based IDEs such as Google Colab or Replit offers an efficient way to run Python without local installation. These platforms provide immediate access to Python interpreters and development tools, making them ideal for beginners or users with limited device storage.

    Sophia Martinez (Linux Systems Engineer, Open Source Advocates). Utilizing the Chromebook’s Linux container to install Python ensures compatibility with a wide range of libraries and tools. I advise users to update their Linux environment regularly and consider installing virtual environments to manage dependencies effectively. This method transforms the Chromebook into a powerful Python development machine suitable for both learning and professional projects.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Can I install Python directly on a Chromebook?
    Yes, you can install Python on a Chromebook by enabling Linux (Beta) and using the Linux terminal to install Python through package managers like apt.

    What is the easiest way to run Python on a Chromebook?
    The easiest method is to enable Linux (Beta) and install Python via the terminal, or use online Python interpreters and IDEs through the Chrome browser.

    Do I need to enable Linux (Beta) to use Python on a Chromebook?
    Enabling Linux (Beta) is highly recommended for full Python development capabilities, but you can also use cloud-based IDEs without Linux.

    Which Python version is supported on Chromebooks?
    Chromebooks support the standard Python versions available for Linux, typically Python 3.x, which can be installed via the Linux terminal.

    Can I use IDEs like VS Code or PyCharm on a Chromebook?
    You can install lightweight IDEs like VS Code through Linux (Beta), but PyCharm requires more resources and may not run optimally on all Chromebooks.

    Are there any limitations when running Python on a Chromebook?
    Some hardware limitations and restricted access to certain system resources may affect performance, but for most development tasks, Python runs efficiently on Chromebooks with Linux enabled.
    In summary, obtaining Python on a Chromebook is both feasible and straightforward through several methods tailored to different user needs. Users can leverage the built-in Linux (Crostini) environment to install Python directly, enabling a full development experience similar to traditional desktop setups. Alternatively, cloud-based solutions and online IDEs offer convenient access to Python without local installation, making them ideal for lightweight or educational purposes.

    Key takeaways include the importance of enabling Linux support on your Chromebook, which unlocks the ability to run Python and other programming tools natively. Additionally, understanding the Chromebook’s capabilities and limitations helps in choosing the most appropriate method—whether that be local installation via Linux, using web-based platforms, or employing Android apps that support Python. This flexibility ensures that both beginners and advanced users can effectively work with Python on their devices.

    Ultimately, the Chromebook’s evolving ecosystem continues to enhance its suitability for programming tasks. By following the recommended approaches, users can confidently set up and utilize Python for development, learning, or experimentation, thereby expanding the Chromebook’s utility beyond its traditional use cases.

    Author Profile

    Avatar
    Harold Trujillo
    Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

    Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.