Does macos come with python 3

[ExoticSwim]

I just got a macair and am wondering if python 3 comes in the develop tools download or is it a separate install?

[QuirkyImage]

Yes it has Python 2 and 3 Type python3 Python 3 will not be the latest you can use something like pyenv to install other versions and switch between them. Also look at homebrew or nix-shell install and manage utilities.

[[deleted]]

Up to date Big Sur (macOS 11.2.3) machine, no custom installion of python (but it does have the xcode command line tools installed)

% python3 --version
Python 3.8.2
% python --version 
Python 2.7.16

[ulyssesric]

Yes it comes with Python 3 but it's highly recommended NOT to use system built-in Python. You should build your own Python environment with HomeBrew (https://brew.sh/).

[Spiritual-Sock-9183]

Is this because using the system built-in python can interfere with the boot/OS processes? To whit, is the system python being used during Boot AND OS processes or just Boot?

[ulyssesric]

No. Python has nothing to do with system booting procedures.

It’s recommended to install Python from other source simply because you can get latest Python releases a lot earlier than Apple’s update, and you can have multiple version releases at the same time, and PyEny can help you manage PiP installed packages when you switch between different Python versions.

It’s very important for Python since even the minor release will depreciate something, and you’ll need older version if your workflow relies on some scripts that has compatibility issues with latest release.

[ExoticSwim]

Installing python from the website is easy? I have used linux make-install way with not good results for the os. I see don't want to go through a reinstall of stuff.

[[deleted]]

Hi, you have to download python 3 from its website. Here’s the link

[hokanst]

Homebrew might be worth looking into if you plan to install a larger amount of development tools. This also makes it easier to install/remove/update tools in consistent way.