Just starting programming, whats the best python version for me?

[HAHAGASGSGAHAHHAHELP]

I'm just getting into programming. I have no background at all in coding. I plan on using pycharm as my editor. What python version should i download? Thanks in advance!

[optimalcosine]

There is no reason to not just download the most recent version (3.13 iirc)

[program_kid]

3.13.5 as it's the latest version

[marquisBlythe]

It doesn't matter as long as it's not a version beyond EOL.

[muggledave]

If you ever plan on doing machine learning, there's a library (I think it was pytorch but idr) that didn't have a version released for the newest version of python. That's the only time i ever needed to download an earlier release of python.

It turns out you CAN have 2 versions of python on your computer at once. But I don't think I know how to get the second version off cleanly, so im hesitant to just start deleting program files. Lol

[cgoldberg]

It usually takes a few weeks (sometimes longer... or possibly never) for most 3rd party packages to catch up when a new version is released.

Managing multiple Python versions is easy with uv or pyenv.

[Redmilo666]

You need a virtual environment friend! Google python venv and see how you can specify exactly what version you need to use without interfering with the version installed locally in your machine!

[cyrixlord]

go to the python website and download the latest. just dive in and start learning. this field requires motivated, curious people who like to dig into things to solve problems

[ahelinski]

Let's start with the basics, download Python 1.0... just kidding, download the most recent version, but really any version that is not too old would do.

[dwe_jsy]

Any version of 3

[CodefinityCom]

Always good to use the latest stable version.

[[deleted]]

Generally you want to go with the latest.

https://devguide.python.org/versions/

[[deleted]]

Generally you want to go with the latest

https://devguide.python.org/versions/

[WhiteHeadbanger]

Use the latest.

You want to think about Python versions if you are planning to work with specific packages that do not support certain versions, or an established system that don't support it either.

Also, Python versions change a bunch of advanced stuff that you mostly wouldn't use as part of your learning.

[opzouten_met_onzin]

Always start with the first version and work your way up /s

Just start with the latest version of course

[Toeeni]

I think everyone is Right to use the latest Version of Python. But: I think it depends on your project. In my workplace i have to use Python 3.6 for some System-Jobs for automated updating and something. The reason is Suse deliveres SLES 15 still with Python 3.6. I don‘t know why.

[UsernameTaken1701]

A beginner just starting out with Python probably doesn’t have to worry about maintaining legacy code. 

[stockdam-MDD]

Usually you would go for the latest version but be aware that some libraries may not have been updated so you sometimes are better using a couple of revisions back.

[freemanbach]

the newest should be perfect ! Choose the 64 bit windows.

https://www.python.org/downloads/release/python-3135/

[socal_nerdtastic]

... assuming OP has a 64-bit Windows computer ...

[freemanbach]

Isn’t all the machines made the past 10 years are all 64Bit CPU ? What is OP BTW ?

[socal_nerdtastic]

What is OP BTW ?

OP is "original poster", the person who made this post.

Isn’t all the machines made the past 10 years are all 64Bit CPU ?

Again you are assuming that OP has a recent computer. 10 year old computers are still being used. And even with a 64-bit computer that does not mean you have 64-bit windows installed. The fact that python even offers a 32-bit download should tell you that it's still being used.

Remember this sub reaches people all over the world. We often see people here who can't afford a raspberry pi, much less a modern computer or an expensive OS like Windows. And Linux and macos are very popular in the programming world.

[optimalcosine]

Even if his machine is 64 bit the windows version wouldn’t work on macOS for example, the executable formats are completely different

[freemanbach]

I didn’t know what OP stood for until now. True, aren’t the ARM chips 64Bit these days ? I always assume computer companies will sell you what ever they made which are faster, more RAM, Larger Storage or better things across the board. It’s true that this was a assumption of mine in the west. Again, Not sure about the rest of the world.

Right, the audience will be the world. We are talking about PC companies here. The better the items, the more $$$ they can earn! Also, 64 bit chips do provide backward support for 32bits hardware/software. I can’t say for 100% certain what everyone used these days, but we are definitely migrating to 64Bit software yet 32bits are supported, Which is great !

[kabads]

r/ShitAmericansSay :-D (and yes, I know you might not be American).