How to update Python on Mac: Follow this Step-by-step guide

This guide shows you how to update Python on your Mac, avoiding common pitfalls. Staying current with Python is crucial for security, access to new features, and maintaining compatibility.

Why Update?

While you don't need to upgrade constantly, falling too far behind creates technical debt. Newer versions generally offer improvements, and the further behind you are, the more challenging an update becomes. Key reasons to update include:

• Enhanced Security: Outdated versions are vulnerable to exploits. Updates patch these vulnerabilities.
• New Features & Libraries: Each release often introduces productivity-boosting tools and libraries.
• Improved Compatibility: Keeping Python current ensures smooth operation with your Mac and other software.

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Checking Your Current Python Version

Your Mac might have Python 2.7 pre-installed. To check your version:

1. Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal).
2. Type python3 --version (for Python 3) or python --version (for Python 2) and press Return.
3. The output shows your version (e.g., Python 3.x.x).

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Method 1: Updating via python.org

This is a simple method, ideal for beginners:

1. Go to python.org.
2. Click "Downloads." The site should detect your macOS and offer the latest version. Download the .pkg installer.
3. Open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Verify the update in Terminal using python3 --version.

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Method 2: Updating via Homebrew (Terminal)

This offers more control:

1. Open Terminal. If you don't have Homebrew, install it using: /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
2. Update Homebrew: brew update
3. Upgrade Python: brew upgrade python
4. Verify: python3 --version

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Setting the New Version as Default

To ensure your system uses the updated Python:

1. Find the new Python path: which python3
2. Edit your shell profile: .zshrc (Catalina and later) or .bashrc (older macOS). Use nano ~/.zshrc or nano ~/.bashrc.
3. Add export PATH="/path/to/new/python:$PATH" (replace /path/to/new/python with the path from step 1).
4. Save (Ctrl O, Return), exit (Ctrl X).
5. Apply changes: source ~/.zshrc or source ~/.bashrc.
6. Verify: python3 --version

Troubleshooting

• Permission errors: Use sudo before commands (e.g., sudo brew upgrade python).
• Path issues: Double-check your path in .zshrc or .bashrc and source the file.
• Version conflicts: Use ls -l /usr/local/bin/python* to identify and remove conflicting versions.
• Outdated pip: Upgrade pip using python3 -m pip install --upgrade pip.
• Unrecognizable packages: Reinstall packages using python3 -m pip install package-name.

Conclusion

Keeping your Python installation up-to-date is essential. Use either the official website or Homebrew for a smooth update process. Consider using DevUtils, SnippetsLab, and CodeRunner to enhance your development workflow. These and other tools are available on Setapp.

FAQ

• How to install the latest Python? Use the installer from python.org or brew install python (with Homebrew).
• How to check the Python version? Use python3 --version or python --version in Terminal. ls /usr/local/bin/python* shows all versions.
• How to choose the Python version? Use a version manager like pyenv.

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