{"id":71482,"date":"2024-03-13T23:00:14","date_gmt":"2024-03-13T15:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/?p=71482"},"modified":"2024-03-13T17:34:06","modified_gmt":"2024-03-13T09:34:06","slug":"install-python-mac","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/install-python-mac\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Install Python on Mac for Beginners"},"content":{"rendered":"

Python isn\u2019t just another programming language<\/a>; it\u2019s a gateway to creating amazing things, from simple scripts that automate your boring tasks to complex systems that can analyze heaps of data or even build the next big social media platform.<\/p>\n

By default, Mac comes with Python already installed. However, chances are it might not be the latest version. So, whether you\u2019re looking to update your Mac\u2019s Python to the latest version, or for some reason it\u2019s not installed on your Mac and you want it to be, this article is for you.<\/p>\n

Why bother updating or installing a new Python, you ask?<\/p>\n

Well, with every new release, Python gets a little bit smarter, faster, and safer, thanks to new features and important security patches. So, whether you\u2019re coding for fun, for work, or something in between, having the latest version of Python at your fingertips can really amp up your game.<\/p>\n

In this guide, I\u2019m going to walk you through the steps to check which Python version is currently installed<\/a> on your Mac, how to update it<\/a>, and how to install Python<\/a> on your Mac should it not come with it.<\/p>\n

Checking the Current Version of Python on Your Mac<\/h2>\n

Before going into the installation process, it\u2019s wise to check the version of Python that\u2019s currently installed on your Mac. This step is crucial as it helps determine whether an update is necessary.<\/p>\n

To do this:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Open the Terminal<\/strong> application. You can find Terminal in the Utilities<\/strong> folder within your Applications<\/strong> folder or search for it using Spotlight<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  2. Type python --version<\/code> or python3 --version<\/code> in the Terminal and press Enter<\/span>. The system will display the version of Python currently installed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    1. If Python is Installed<\/h3>\n

    The Terminal will display a message like Python 3.11.3<\/code>. This indicates that Python is indeed installed on your Mac, and the version is 3.11.3<\/em>.<\/p>\n

    Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \r\nhongkiat@hongkiat ~ % python\r\nPython 3.11.3 (main, Apr  7 2023, 19:25:52) [Clang 14.0.0 (clang-1400.0.29.202)] on darwin\r\nType \"help\", \"copyright\", \"credits\" or \"license\" for more information.\r\n>>> \r\n<\/pre>\n
    The version number might vary depending on the latest version you have installed. Now, you might want to hop over to python.org<\/a> and check if this is the latest version of Python. If it\u2019s not, you\u2019ll want to update it to the latest version.<\/p>\n
    \"latest<\/figure>\n
    Why Update Python?<\/strong><\/p>\n
    Keeping Python updated on your Mac ensures that you have access to the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements.<\/p>\n
    Newer versions also tend to have better compatibility with third-party libraries and tools, making your development work smoother and more efficient.<\/p>\n
    2. If Python Doesn\u2019t Exist<\/h3>\n
    If Python is not installed, or if there\u2019s an issue with the PATH<\/code> configuration that prevents the Terminal from recognizing the Python command, you might encounter a message such as command not found: python<\/code> or No such file or directory<\/code>.<\/p>\n
    This response means that the Terminal cannot find Python installed in the usual directories where it looks for installed applications and commands. In the case of such an output, it\u2019s a clear signal that Python might need to be installed or there\u2019s a need to fix the PATH<\/code> environment variable<\/a> to ensure the Terminal can locate the Python executable.<\/p>\n
    Therefore, you might want to proceed with installing a new copy of Python on your Mac.<\/p>\n
    Preparing Your Mac for Python Installation<\/h2>\n
    Before installing Python, make sure your Mac is ready.<\/p>\n
    This includes:<\/p>\n