How to Install Python on Linux (AlmaLinux)
One of the most widely used, versatile, and high-level programming languages is Python. It is used for object-oriented applications ranging from straightforward scripts to complicated machine learning algorithms. Python has an extensive standard library, simple syntax, and predictable semantics. This article will review how to install Python on Linux (AlmaLinux).
Steps to Install Python on Linux (AlmaLinux)
Prerequisites
- Operating System and Version: AlmaLinux OS 8.
- Permissions: Access the AlmaLinux 8 system, using the sudo command as root or a user with administrative privileges.
- System Minimum Requirements: 2 CPUs, 4 GB RAM, and 10 GB of storage.
To learn how to install Python on Linux (AlmaLinux), follow the steps below.
Step #1: Update Your System
Every new AlmaLinux installation requires the packages to be updated to the most recent versions. To update your AlmaLinux system, use the following commands:
sudo dnf update
sudo dnf upgradeStep #2: Install the Necessary Packages
Use the following command to install the necessary packages required for Python 3.9 installation:
sudo dnf install openssl-devel bzip2-devel libffi-develThen, you must install development tools on your AlmaLinux system using the following command:
sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools"The groupinstall command installs the Development Tools, a set of packages typically used for creating software from source code. The Development Tools assist developers in creating, debugging, maintaining, and supporting other programs and applications.
To confirm that gcc is correctly installed, use the following gcc command. You should be aware that gcc is a compiler that creates binary files from source code:
gcc --versionHere is the output:
~]# gcc --version
gcc (GCC) 8.5.0 20210514 (Red Hat 8.5.0-18)Step #3: Installing Python Using dnf
You can use the following command to install Python 3.9 using dnf:
sudo dnf install python39Here is the output:
~]# sudo dnf install python39
Last metadata expiration check: 0:15:15 ago on Fri 01 Sep 2023 04:39:18 AM UTC.
Dependencies resolved.
==============================================================================================================================================================================================================================================
Package Architecture Version Repository Size
==============================================================================================================================================================================================================================================
Installing:
python39 x86_64 3.9.16-1.module_el8.8.0+3577+f4afbb0e.1 appstream 32 k
Installing dependencies:
python39-libs x86_64 3.9.16-1.module_el8.8.0+3577+f4afbb0e.1 appstream 8.2 M
python39-pip-wheel noarch 20.2.4-7.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1 appstream 1.1 M
python39-setuptools-wheel noarch 50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1 appstream 496 k
Installing weak dependencies:
python39-pip noarch 20.2.4-7.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1 appstream 1.9 M
python39-setuptools noarch 50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1 appstream 870 k
Enabling module streams:
python39 3.9
Transaction Summary
==============================================================================================================================================================================================================================================
Install 6 Packages
Total download size: 13 M
Installed size: 45 M
Is this ok [y/N]: y
Downloading Packages:
(1/6): python39-3.9.16-1.module_el8.8.0+3577+f4afbb0e.1.x86_64.rpm 1.7 MB/s | 32 kB 00:00
(2/6): python39-pip-wheel-20.2.4-7.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch.rpm 33 MB/s | 1.1 MB 00:00
(3/6): python39-pip-20.2.4-7.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch.rpm 24 MB/s | 1.9 MB 00:00
(4/6): python39-setuptools-50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch.rpm 19 MB/s | 870 kB 00:00
(5/6): python39-setuptools-wheel-50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch.rpm 20 MB/s | 496 kB 00:00
(6/6): python39-libs-3.9.16-1.module_el8.8.0+3577+f4afbb0e.1.x86_64.rpm 45 MB/s | 8.2 MB 00:00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 40 MB/s | 13 MB 00:00
Running transaction check
Transaction check succeeded.
Running transaction test
Transaction test succeeded.
Running transaction
Preparing : 1/1
Installing : python39-setuptools-wheel-50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 1/6
Installing : python39-pip-wheel-20.2.4-7.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 2/6
Installing : python39-libs-3.9.16-1.module_el8.8.0+3577+f4afbb0e.1.x86_64 3/6
Installing : python39-3.9.16-1.module_el8.8.0+3577+f4afbb0e.1.x86_64 4/6
Running scriptlet: python39-3.9.16-1.module_el8.8.0+3577+f4afbb0e.1.x86_64 4/6
Installing : python39-setuptools-50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 5/6
Running scriptlet: python39-setuptools-50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 5/6
Installing : python39-pip-20.2.4-7.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 6/6
Running scriptlet: python39-pip-20.2.4-7.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 6/6
Verifying : python39-3.9.16-1.module_el8.8.0+3577+f4afbb0e.1.x86_64 1/6
Verifying : python39-libs-3.9.16-1.module_el8.8.0+3577+f4afbb0e.1.x86_64 2/6
Verifying : python39-pip-20.2.4-7.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 3/6
Verifying : python39-pip-wheel-20.2.4-7.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 4/6
Verifying : python39-setuptools-50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 5/6
Verifying : python39-setuptools-wheel-50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 6/6
Installed:
python39-3.9.16-1.module_el8.8.0+3577+f4afbb0e.1.x86_64 python39-libs-3.9.16-1.module_el8.8.0+3577+f4afbb0e.1.x86_64 python39-pip-20.2.4-7.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch
python39-pip-wheel-20.2.4-7.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch python39-setuptools-50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch python39-setuptools-wheel-50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch
Complete!After the installation, you can verify that Python 3.9 is installed by checking its version using any of the following commands:
python3.9 --version
python3 --versionHere is the output:
~]# python3.9 --version
Python 3.9.16
~]# python3 --version
Python 3.9.16Step #4: Installing Python from Source
Installing Python 3.9 from the source involves compiling the Python interpreter on your system. This method can be helpful if you want more control over the installation process or if Python 3.9 is unavailable through your package manager.
To download the source code for Python 3.9 from the Python official website, use the wget command:
wget https://www.python.org/ftp/python/3.9.16/Python-3.9.16.tgzHere is the output:
~]# wget https://www.python.org/ftp/python/3.9.16/Python-3.9.16.tgz
--2023-09-01 05:04:30-- https://www.python.org/ftp/python/3.9.16/Python-3.9.16.tgz
Resolving www.python.org (www.python.org)... 199.232.28.223, 2a04:4e42:44::223
Connecting to www.python.org (www.python.org)|199.232.28.223|:443... connected.
HTTP request sent, awaiting response... 200 OK
Length: 26333525 (25M) [application/octet-stream]
Saving to: 'Python-3.9.16.tgz'
Python-3.9.16.tgz 100%[=========================================================================================================================================>] 25.11M 75.4MB/s in 0.3s
2023-09-01 05:04:31 (75.4 MB/s) - 'Python-3.9.16.tgz' saved [26333525/26333525]Use the following command to extract the downloaded source code:
tar -xf Python-3.9.16.tgz Move into the extracted directory:
cd Python-3.9.16Use the following commands to configure the build and compile Python:
./configure --enable-optimizations
make The ./configure script configures the build configuration and checks your system for dependencies. The make command compiles Python.
Once the compilation is complete, you can install Python 3.9 using the following command:
sudo make installThis command will install Python 3.9 to the default location, usually /usr/local/bin/python3.9.
You can check if Python 3.9 is installed correctly using the following command:
python3.9 --versionHere is the output:
~]# python3.9 --version
Python 3.9.16 Congratulations on successfully learning how to install Python on Linux — the AlmaLinux distribution specifically. You can clean up the build files and source code directory after installation:
rm -rf Python-3.9.16Creating a Python Program
To create a simple Python program on AlmaLinux 8, follow the steps below.
Step #1: Create a Python File
Create a Python file using a text editor like vi. Let's create a file called sample.py as an example:
vi sample.pyStep #2: Write Your Python Code
In the text editor, write a simple Python program. For this example, let's create a program that prints "Hello, How to Install Python on Linux (AlmaLinux)!" to the console. To enter insert mode, press the I key and add the following details:
print("Hello, How to Install Python on Linux (AlmaLinux)!")Press the Esc key to exit the insert mode after adding the details. Then, type ':wq' to save your changes and exit the vi editor.
Step #3: Run the Python Program
You can run the Python program using the following command:
python3 sample.pyYou should see the output "Hello, How to Install Python on Linux (AlmaLinux)!" printed on the terminal.
Here is the output:
~]# python3.9 sample.py
Hello, How to Install Python on Linux (AlmaLinux)!If you want to learn how to install Python on Windows, see the article How to Install Python on Windows.
How to Uninstall Python on Linux (AlmaLinux)
To uninstall Python 3.9 from AlmaLinux, follow the steps below.
Step #1: Check Dependencies
Before uninstalling Python 3.9, ensure no system components or programs depend on it. This can be handled with the rpm command. Use the following command to find out which packages depend on Python 3.9:
rpm -q --whatrequires python3.9This command will list packages that depend on Python 3.9. Review the list carefully to understand the potential impact of removing Python.
Step #2: Backup Important Data
Before proceeding, ensure you have a complete backup of any essential data on your system. Uninstalling Python can lead to system instability, so it's crucial to have a backup in case something goes wrong.
Step #3: Uninstall Python 3.9
You can use the following command if you still want to uninstall Python 3.9 despite the potential risks. Keep in mind that this can have adverse effects on your system. Expect a list of dependent packages that could also be removed:
sudo dnf remove python39
Here is the output:
~]# sudo dnf remove python39
Dependencies resolved.
==============================================================================================================================================================================================================================================
Package Architecture Version Repository Size
==============================================================================================================================================================================================================================================
Removing:
python39 x86_64 3.9.16-1.module_el8.8.0+3577+f4afbb0e.1 @appstream 24 k
Removing unused dependencies:
python39-libs x86_64 3.9.16-1.module_el8.8.0+3577+f4afbb0e.1 @appstream 31 M
python39-pip noarch 20.2.4-7.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1 @appstream 8.0 M
python39-pip-wheel noarch 20.2.4-7.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1 @appstream 1.1 M
python39-setuptools noarch 50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1 @appstream 3.8 M
python39-setuptools-wheel noarch 50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1 @appstream 550 k
Transaction Summary
==============================================================================================================================================================================================================================================
Remove 6 Packages
Freed space: 45 M
Is this ok [y/N]: y
Running transaction check
Transaction check succeeded.
Running transaction test
Transaction test succeeded.
Running transaction
Preparing : 1/1
Erasing : python39-setuptools-50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 1/6
Running scriptlet: python39-setuptools-50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 1/6
Erasing : python39-3.9.16-1.module_el8.8.0+3577+f4afbb0e.1.x86_64 2/6
Running scriptlet: python39-3.9.16-1.module_el8.8.0+3577+f4afbb0e.1.x86_64 2/6
Erasing : python39-pip-20.2.4-7.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 3/6
Running scriptlet: python39-pip-20.2.4-7.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 3/6
Erasing : python39-libs-3.9.16-1.module_el8.8.0+3577+f4afbb0e.1.x86_64 4/6
Erasing : python39-pip-wheel-20.2.4-7.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 5/6
Erasing : python39-setuptools-wheel-50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 6/6
Running scriptlet: python39-setuptools-wheel-50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 6/6
Verifying : python39-3.9.16-1.module_el8.8.0+3577+f4afbb0e.1.x86_64 1/6
Verifying : python39-libs-3.9.16-1.module_el8.8.0+3577+f4afbb0e.1.x86_64 2/6
Verifying : python39-pip-20.2.4-7.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 3/6
Verifying : python39-pip-wheel-20.2.4-7.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 4/6
Verifying : python39-setuptools-50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 5/6
Verifying : python39-setuptools-wheel-50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch 6/6
Removed:
python39-3.9.16-1.module_el8.8.0+3577+f4afbb0e.1.x86_64 python39-libs-3.9.16-1.module_el8.8.0+3577+f4afbb0e.1.x86_64 python39-pip-20.2.4-7.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch
python39-pip-wheel-20.2.4-7.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch python39-setuptools-50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch python39-setuptools-wheel-50.3.2-4.module_el8.6.0+2780+a40f65e1.noarch
Complete!Step #4: Check System Functionality
Check your system's functionality thoroughly after uninstalling Python 3.9. Some utilities and tools may no longer function properly, and your system could become unstable.
Step #5: Restore or Reinstall Dependencies
If essential applications or packages are no longer working due to Python 3.9 removal, you may need to restore or reinstall them. This process can be complex and depends on the specific applications affected.
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With the help of this post, we hope you learned how to install Python on Linux (Almalinux). Liquidweb Hosting solutions will assist you in getting there more quickly if you're prepared to advance your web projects. Liquid Web offers several Web Hosting plans that include Python on AlmaLinux.
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