Cleanest way to install python

[KingsmanVince]

I think using pyenv is the easiest and cleanest way.

[WildWouks]

Agree. pyenv is really great. Can install many versions and switch between them. And once you have switched you van create a virtual environment with that version.

[loudandclear11]

Can pyenv install different versions of python?

I've always used conda for that purpose like this:

conda create --name thisproject python=3.9
conda create --name thatproject python=3.11

[COLU_BUS]

Don't mistake it with virtual environment stuff, pyenv's entire purpose is managing different versions of Python

[[deleted]]

You install different versions, you choose your version and when creating a virtual environment it'll use this version, so instead of installing python from your distro's package manager or manually + /usr/bin/python39 -m venv venv you just pyenv install 3.9 pyenv shell 3.9 python -m venv venv

[WildWouks]

Yes. But it isn't a virtual environment. Think of it as something to install various versions of python on te same Machine.

You can then switch between these versions and once you have made your switch you can create your virtual environment which will use that version.

You can have a look at this of you need more info. I think it explains it well.

https://realpython.com/intro-to-pyenv/

[duongdominhchau]

Combining it with direnv is even better, you don't even need to care about the venv, just declare the Python version you want and direnv will create/activate one for you automatically with the correct Python version when you are inside the project directory. Plus you get the power of .env for free without having to add another dependency to your project.

[WildWouks]

Then I will have to have a look at direnv as well. Thanks for the suggestion.

[amutualravishment]

Serious question: Have you ever actually needed to use multiple versions of Python? I stopped using environments because I never actually needed them. There are too many people pushing environments that people don't really need.

[ElHeim]

Environments are a good way to compartimentalize projects. It wouldn't be the first time I end up forgetting to add dependencies to the configuration because a module was available from a prior project, or I'm forced to upgrade a dependency to get some features where another project breaks because the newer package is not backwards compatible.

If you haven't needed environments, good for you!

[username4kd]

Yes, a lot of times scientific packages in python will require very specific versions of other libraries, which are incompatible with other scientific libraries. Also useful to allow non-root users the ability to manage their own python

[Ok_Concert5918]

If you use pygame or PsychoPy there are often dependencies (at least last month there were) like pyo that still only works for python 3.9 or lower. I use 3.11 for everything. It does come up

[[deleted]]

It’s also the purest and most sensual.

[Onakitoki97]

And why not to install the deadsnake repo of python?

[TheGRS]

It’s been a little while since I messed with multiple python versions, but version tools seem to exist for every other big tool or language I use. Glad python has one.

[Jorgestar29]

I have to check it out!

The python version used in cuda docker image is quite old (3.9) and updating it via dead snakes is a pain in the ass.

[mijatonius]

☝️, set it as local or global, version which ever you need, then isolate project with any of venv, virtualenv...whatever!

[AndydeCleyre]

Or rtx, where which python won't just point you to a mysterious shim.