How to Check Python Version in Linux
In the world of programming, Python has emerged as one of the most popular and versatile programming languages. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, it is essential to know the version of Python you are using on your Linux system. This information helps in ensuring compatibility with various libraries and frameworks. In this article, we will discuss different methods to check the Python version in Linux.
Using the Python Command
The simplest way to check the Python version on your Linux system is by using the Python command itself. Open your terminal and type the following command:
“`
python –version
“`
This command will display the version of Python that is currently installed on your system. If you have multiple versions of Python installed, this method will show the version of the Python interpreter that is linked to the `python` command.
Using the python3 Command
If you are using Python 3, you might want to use the `python3` command instead. This command is specifically designed for Python 3 installations. To check the Python 3 version, open your terminal and type:
“`
python3 –version
“`
This will display the version of Python 3 installed on your system.
Using the which Command
The `which` command is a shell built-in that returns the path of the specified command. To check the Python version using the `which` command, type the following in your terminal:
“`
which python
“`
This will show the path of the Python interpreter. You can then use this path to check the version by appending `–version` to the path:
“`
/path/to/python –version
“`
Using the whereis Command
The `whereis` command is another way to find the location of a command. To check the Python version using `whereis`, type:
“`
whereis python
“`
This will display the location of the Python interpreter. Similar to the `which` command, you can use this location to check the version by appending `–version` to the path.
Using the type Command
The `type` command is used to describe the type of a command. To check the Python version using the `type` command, type:
“`
type python
“`
This will show the type of the `python` command. If the output includes `alias for python`, you can check the version by typing `python –version`.
Conclusion
Checking the Python version in Linux is a straightforward process. By using the `python` or `python3` command, the `which` command, the `whereis` command, or the `type` command, you can easily determine the version of Python installed on your system. This information is crucial for managing your Python projects and ensuring compatibility with various libraries and frameworks.
