How to install Python using pyenv on Ubuntu

1. Objective:

This procedure outlines the steps to install pyenv and use it to manage and install a specific version of Python on an Ubuntu system with sudo privileges.

2. Steps:

Step 1: Update and Install Prerequisites

Run the following commands to ensure your system is up-to-date and has the necessary dependencies for building Python:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install -y make build-essential libssl-dev zlib1g-dev \
libbz2-dev libreadline-dev libsqlite3-dev wget curl llvm \
libncursesw5-dev xz-utils tk-dev libxml2-dev libxmlsec1-dev \
libffi-dev liblzma-dev git

Step 2: Install pyenv

Download and install pyenv using the official installer script:

curl https://pyenv.run | bash

Step 3: Configure Shell for pyenv

Add the following lines to your shell profile to enable pyenv. The file to modify depends on your shell:

For bash, modify ~/.bashrc:

echo -e '\n# Pyenv Configuration\nexport PATH="$HOME/.pyenv/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc
echo 'eval "$(pyenv init --path)"' >> ~/.bashrc
echo 'eval "$(pyenv virtualenv-init -)"' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

For zsh, modify ~/.zshrc:

echo -e '\n# Pyenv Configuration\nexport PATH="$HOME/.pyenv/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.zshrc
echo 'eval "$(pyenv init --path)"' >> ~/.zshrc
echo 'eval "$(pyenv virtualenv-init -)"' >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc

Step 4: Verify pyenv Installation

Check that pyenv is correctly installed by running:

pyenv --version

Step 5: Install the Desired Python Version

Use pyenv to install your desired Python version, replacing with the specific version number (e.g., 3.10.5):

pyenv install <version>

Step 6: Set the Installed Version as Default

Set the newly installed Python version as the global default:

pyenv global <version>

Verify that the correct version is being used:

python --version

Step 7: (Optional) Install Virtualenv Plugin

It is recommended that you manage the virtual environments using the virtualenv installed with the Python version you are using. Then, you can create a virtual environment using the following command:

python -m venv myenv

Alternatively however, to manage virtual environments more effectively, you can install the pyenv-virtualenv plugin:

git clone https://github.com/pyenv/pyenv-virtualenv.git
~/.pyenv/plugins/pyenv-virtualenv

Reload your shell configuration and verify the plugin is active:

source ~/.bashrc # or ~/.zshrc pyenv virtualenv --version

3. Additional Information:

Ensure that your system has sufficient storage and memory to compile Python from source. If you encounter build errors, check the pyenv wiki for common build problems. To uninstall a Python version, use pyenv uninstall . Always verify compatibility of your Python version with your projects or dependencies.

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