How Do You Start Using Python on Linux?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Linux & Open Source

Starting your journey with Python on a Linux system opens up a world of programming possibilities, from automating everyday tasks to developing complex applications. Python’s versatility combined with Linux’s powerful environment makes for a perfect pairing, whether you’re a beginner eager to learn coding or an experienced developer looking to harness open-source tools. Understanding how to start Python on Linux is the first step toward unlocking this potential.

Linux offers a robust platform where Python is often pre-installed or easily accessible through package managers, making it convenient to get up and running quickly. However, navigating the command line, managing different Python versions, and setting up your development environment can initially seem daunting. This article will guide you through the essentials, helping you confidently launch Python and begin writing your first scripts.

By exploring the basics of starting Python on Linux, you’ll gain the foundational knowledge needed to dive deeper into programming projects and leverage the powerful combination of Python and Linux. Whether you’re interested in data analysis, web development, or system scripting, mastering this initial step is crucial to your success.

Launching the Python Interpreter in the Terminal

To start Python on a Linux system, the most direct method is to launch the Python interpreter via the terminal. This allows you to interactively write and execute Python commands.

Open your terminal application and type the command:

“`bash
python3
“`

Most modern Linux distributions come with Python 3 installed by default. If you only type `python`, it might invoke Python 2 or might not be recognized at all, depending on your system configuration.

Once you run `python3`, you will see the Python interactive shell prompt, which looks like this:

“`plaintext
Python 3.x.x (default, Month Day Year, Time)
[GCC x.x.x] on linux
Type “help”, “copyright”, “credits” or “license” for more information.
>>>
“`

The `>>>` prompt indicates that Python is ready to accept commands. You can now enter Python code line by line and see immediate results.

For example:

“`python
>>> print(“Hello, Linux!”)
Hello, Linux!
“`

To exit the interpreter, use one of the following commands:

  • Press `Ctrl+D`
  • Type `exit()` and press Enter

Running Python Scripts from the Terminal

Instead of typing commands interactively, you might want to run entire Python scripts. This is especially useful for developing and testing programs.

To run a Python script:

  1. Create a file with a `.py` extension, for example, `script.py`.
  2. Write your Python code inside this file using a text editor such as `vim`, `nano`, or `gedit`.
  3. Save the file and close the editor.
  4. Execute the script by typing the following in the terminal:

“`bash
python3 script.py
“`

This command runs the script and outputs any results or errors directly in the terminal.

If you want to make the script executable without explicitly calling `python3`, add a shebang line at the top of your script:

“`python
!/usr/bin/env python3
“`

Then, make the script executable with:

“`bash
chmod +x script.py
“`

Now you can run it directly:

“`bash
./script.py
“`

Using Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) on Linux

While the terminal is powerful for running Python code, many developers prefer IDEs or code editors that provide debugging, syntax highlighting, and project management features.

Popular Python IDEs available for Linux include:

  • PyCharm: A feature-rich IDE with intelligent code assistance.
  • Visual Studio Code (VS Code): A lightweight editor with extensive Python support through extensions.
  • Spyder: Especially popular for scientific computing.
  • Thonny: Beginner-friendly IDE designed for learning Python.

These IDEs can be installed via your Linux distribution’s package manager or downloaded directly from their websites.

Comparison of Methods to Start Python on Linux

Method Description Advantages Considerations
Python Interactive Shell Start Python interpreter directly in terminal using `python3`.
  • Immediate feedback
  • Great for testing small code snippets
  • No setup required
 Not suited for running large scripts or projects
Running Python Scripts Execute saved `.py` files via terminal with `python3 script.py`.
  • Runs complete programs
  • Easy to automate
  • Can be made executable
 Requires managing script files
Using IDEs Use graphical editors with features for coding, debugging, and project management.
  • Improved productivity
  • Debugging tools
  • Integrated terminal and version control
 Requires installation and some learning curve

Verifying Python Installation and Version

Before starting Python, it’s essential to verify that Python is installed and check the version to ensure compatibility with your projects.

Run the following command in the terminal:

“`bash
python3 –version
“`

This will output something like:

“`plaintext
Python 3.x.x
“`

If the command returns an error or if Python is not installed, you can install it using your Linux distribution’s package manager. For example, on Debian/Ubuntu-based systems:

“`bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3
“`

On Fedora:

“`bash
sudo dnf install python3
“`

On Arch Linux:

“`bash
sudo pacman -S python
“`

These commands will install the latest stable version of Python 3 available in your distribution’s repositories.

Launching Python from the Linux Command Line

To start Python on a Linux system, the most common method is through the terminal interface. Linux distributions typically come with Python pre-installed, making it accessible immediately via the command line.

Follow these steps to launch Python:

  • Open a Terminal: Use your desktop environment’s terminal emulator or press Ctrl + Alt + T on most distributions.
  • Check Python Installation: Execute the command python3 --version to verify if Python 3 is installed and to see its version.
  • Start the Interpreter: Enter python3 to launch the Python interactive shell.

In some cases, especially on older systems or those using Python 2 as default, you might need to use python instead of python3. However, Python 2 has reached end-of-life, so Python 3 is recommended.

Command Purpose Example Output
python3 --version Check installed Python 3 version Python 3.8.10
python3 Start Python 3 interactive shell Launches prompt: >>
exit() or Ctrl + D Exit the Python shell Returns to terminal prompt

Running Python Scripts on Linux

Beyond the interactive shell, executing Python scripts is fundamental for development and automation.

To run a Python script:

  • Create a Python file with a .py extension, for example, script.py.
  • Open the terminal and navigate to the directory containing your script using the cd command.
  • Execute the script by typing python3 script.py.

For convenience and portability, you can make your Python script executable and include a shebang line:

!/usr/bin/env python3
script.py

print("Hello, Linux Python!")

After adding the shebang, update permissions to make the script executable:

chmod +x script.py

Now, you can run the script directly:

./script.py

Using Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and Editors on Linux

While the terminal is sufficient for running Python, many professionals utilize IDEs or text editors for enhanced productivity.

Tool Description Installation Command (Debian/Ubuntu)
VS Code Popular, feature-rich editor with Python extensions sudo snap install --classic code
PyCharm Full-featured Python IDE from JetBrains Download from JetBrains website or use snap
Spyder Scientific Python IDE, ideal for data science sudo apt install spyder3
Vim/Neovim Highly customizable command-line editors sudo apt install vim or sudo apt install neovim

After installation, these editors can be launched from the terminal or desktop environment. Many support direct execution and debugging of Python scripts, enhancing development workflow.

Setting Up Virtual Environments on Linux

To isolate project dependencies and avoid conflicts, using virtual environments is a best practice.

Create a virtual environment with Python’s built-in venv module:

python3 -m venv myenv

Activate the environment:

  • On Bash or Zsh shells:
source myenv/bin/activate
  • On Fish shell:
source myenv/bin/activate.fish

Once activated, the prompt will change to indicate the environment is active. Install packages locally with pip without affecting system-wide Python.

Deactivate the environment when finished:

deactivate

Managing Multiple Python Versions

Linux systems may require multiple Python versions for compatibility or testing purposes.

Tools like pyenv simplify this process:

  • Install dependencies: Ensure build

    Expert Insights on How To Start Python On Linux

    Dr. Elena Martinez (Senior Linux Systems Engineer, Open Source Solutions). Starting Python on Linux is straightforward if you first verify the installation using the terminal command python3 --version. Most modern Linux distributions come with Python pre-installed. If not, you can easily install it via your package manager, such as apt or yum. Once installed, launching Python simply requires typing python3 in the terminal, which opens the interactive shell for immediate coding and testing.

    James O’Connor (Python Developer and Linux Advocate, CodeCraft Labs). For beginners, I recommend using the terminal to start Python on Linux because it provides direct access to the interpreter without additional overhead. After opening your terminal, typing python3 initiates the interactive prompt. From there, you can write and execute Python commands line-by-line. Additionally, integrating an IDE like VS Code with Python extensions can streamline development but starting with the terminal is essential for understanding the environment.

    Sophia Nguyen (DevOps Engineer and Open Source Contributor). When starting Python on Linux, it’s important to consider the version compatibility with your projects. Use python3 to ensure you are running Python 3.x, as Python 2 has reached end-of-life. For scripting purposes, you can create executable Python files by adding a shebang line !/usr/bin/env python3 at the top and granting execute permissions. This approach leverages Linux’s native environment and makes running Python scripts seamless.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How do I check if Python is already installed on my Linux system?
    Open the terminal and type `python3 –version` or `python –version`. If Python is installed, the version number will be displayed. Otherwise, you will receive a command not found message.

    What is the command to start the Python interpreter on Linux?
    Type `python3` in the terminal and press Enter. This launches the Python interactive shell where you can execute Python commands directly.

    How can I install Python on a Linux distribution?
    Use the package manager specific to your distribution. For example, on Ubuntu, run `sudo apt update` followed by `sudo apt install python3` to install Python 3.

    How do I run a Python script on Linux?
    Navigate to the directory containing the script and execute `python3 script_name.py` in the terminal, replacing `script_name.py` with your file’s name.

    Can I use an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to start Python on Linux?
    Yes, popular IDEs like VS Code, PyCharm, and Thonny support Python development on Linux and provide integrated terminals to run Python code easily.

    How do I set the default Python version on Linux if multiple versions are installed?
    Use the `update-alternatives` command to configure the default Python version. For example, run `sudo update-alternatives –config python` and select the desired version from the list.
    Starting Python on Linux is a straightforward process that begins with verifying the installation of Python on your system. Most Linux distributions come with Python pre-installed, but it is essential to check the version and ensure it meets your development needs. You can do this by opening the terminal and typing commands such as `python3 –version` or `python –version`. If Python is not installed or you require a different version, it can be easily installed using the package manager specific to your Linux distribution, such as `apt` for Ubuntu or `yum` for CentOS.

    Once Python is installed, launching the Python interpreter is as simple as typing `python3` or `python` in the terminal. This opens an interactive shell where you can write and execute Python code in real-time. For more extensive development, you might consider setting up a text editor or an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that supports Python, such as VS Code, PyCharm, or even lightweight editors like Vim or Nano. Additionally, managing Python packages through tools like `pip` is crucial for expanding functionality and working with external libraries.

    In summary, starting Python on Linux involves confirming the installation, launching the interpreter via the terminal, and optionally configuring an environment suited to your

    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.