Installing Python - Mac
Step 1: Check for Existing Python Installation
Before installing a new version of Python, it's a good idea to check if you already have Python installed on your Mac, which can sometimes be the case.
1. Open Terminal: You can find Terminal in the Applications folder under Utilities, or simply search for it using Spotlight (Cmd + Space).
2. Check Python Version: Type python --version
or python3 --version
and press Enter. If Python is installed, this will display the version number.
Step 2: Download Python
To download the latest version of Python:
1. Visit the Python Website: Open your web browser and go to the official Python website](https://www.python.org/).
2. Download Python: Click on "Downloads" and select the latest version for macOS. The website typically detects your OS and suggests the appropriate version.
Step 3: Install Python
Once the download is complete:
1. Open the Installer: Locate the downloaded file (typically in the Downloads folder) and double-click on it.
2. Follow Installation Steps: The installer will guide you through the process. Make sure to select the option "Install launcher for all users" and "Add Python to PATH" if available.
3. Complete Installation: Click “Install” and enter your admin password if prompted.
Step 4: Verify Installation
After installation:
1. Open Terminal Again: As in Step 1.
2. Check the Version: Type python3 --version
and press Enter. This should display the newly installed Python version.
Step 5: Install pip (If Not Included)
pip
is Python's package manager and is used to install Python packages. It usually comes with Python, but if not:
1. Download get-pip.py
: Visit https://bootstrap.pypa.io/get-pip.py, and download the get-pip.py
script.
2. Run the Script: In Terminal, navigate to the download location and run python3 get-pip.py
.