Correctly Install Python on MacOS #
Python on Mac is a pain because there are so many different ways to do it. I've found that pyenv is the best way to manage python versions on MacOS
# install pyenv
brew install pyenv pyenv-virtualenv
# list all available python variants
pyenv install -l
# install latest 3.x.x python
pyenv install 3
# add to the shell
echo 'PATH=$(pyenv root)/shims:$PATH' >> ~/.zshrc
Now restart your shell / open a new terminal window.
You can manage python with these commands:
- See the current global version:
pyenv versions - See where the current python versions come from:
pyenv versions - See what is the current local version:
pyenv local - List all possible versions of python to install
pyenv install --list - Install (download and build) a particular version of python
pyenv install 3.12.8 - Set the current local version to 3.12.8:
pyenv local 3.12.8