Python is a popular programming language that is used by many developers all over the world. It is easy to use and has a lot of features. If you are not sure which Python version you are using, it is best to check the Python website or use one of the following methods:
- Check the Python Version on Windows To check the Python version on Windows, open an elevated command prompt and type python3 -V . This will give you a list of all active versions of Python. You can then choose one of them by pressing Enter. For example, if you are using Windows 10, you would type: python3 -V 8.0
- Check the Python Version on Mac and Linux To check the Python version on Mac and Linux, open a terminal and type python3 -V . This will give you a list of all active versions of Python. You can then choose one of them by pressing Enter. For example, if you are using macOS Mojave 10.14 or Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, you would type: python3 -V 8
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How to Read the Python Versions
A Python version consists of three values: a major version, a minor version, and a micro version. An example of a Python version is:
In the above version, 3 refers to Python’s major version. The second digit, which is 10, refers to Python’s minor version, and the last digit, 4, indicates the micro version of Python.
Python’s major versions are generally not compatible with each other, but the minor ones are.
Check the Python Version on Windows
On your Windows PC where you’ve installed Python, use the PC’s built-in PowerShell utility to check the version number.
To start, open your “Start” menu and search for “Windows PowerShell” (without quotes). Then click the utility in the search results.
When PowerShell opens, type the following command and press Enter:
PowerShell will display the version of Python installed on your PC.
And that’s it.
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View the Python Version on Mac
On your Mac, you’ll use the pre-installed Terminal app to view your Python version.
Launch Terminal by first opening Spotlight (using the Command+Space shortcut) and then searching for and clicking on “Terminal.”
On the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:
Your current Python version will be displayed.
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Checking the Python Version on Linux
To check the installed Python version on Linux, open a Terminal window (you can often use the shortcut Ctrl+Alt+T), type the following command, and press Enter:
The terminal will output your current Python version.
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What If Your Computer Has Multiple Python Versions Installed?
You could have multiple Python versions installed at the same time on your computer. This is because some apps use the newer Python 3 while others still rely on Python 2.7 in order to run. In this case, to find the version of each instance of Python, you’ll use the following commands.
To check Python 2.7’s version, use this command:
For Python 3, use the following command:
And you’re all set.
Wondering what version of PowerShell you’re running on your PC? It’s equally to find that information.
RELATED: How to Check the PowerShell Version in Windows 10
