Check the Version of Python Interpreter

One of the first steps in using Python is ensuring that the correct version of the interpreter is installed on your system. In this tutorial, we will discuss how to check the version of the Python interpreter on your machine.

What is an Interpreter?

Let's first understand what an interpreter is and why it is necessary for Python.

An interpreter is a program that reads and executes code written in a particular programming language. It translates the code written in a high-level language, such as Python, into machine code that can be understood by the computer's processor. The Python interpreter is the program that reads and executes Python code.

The Python interpreter comes in different versions, and each version has its own unique features, bug fixes, and compatibility requirements. It is essential to know which version of the interpreter is installed on your machine to ensure that your code runs smoothly and without errors. Checking the version of the Python interpreter is straightforward and can be done in a few different ways discussed below −

Method 1: Using the Command Line

The most common way to check the version of the Python interpreter is to use the command line. The command line is a text-based interface that allows you to interact with your computer's operating system using commands. Here are the steps to follow to check the version of Python using the command line −

• Step 1 − Open a command prompt or terminal window on your machine. This can be done by searching for "Command Prompt" or "Terminal" in the start menu or by pressing the "Windows + R" key combination on Windows and typing "cmd" or "terminal" in the run dialog box.

• Step 2 − Once you have opened the command prompt or terminal window, type "python --version" or "python -V" and press enter. This will display the version of the Python interpreter installed on your machine.

If you have Python 2.x and Python 3.x both installed on your machine, you can check the version of Python 2 by typing "python2 --version" or "python2 -V" and the version of Python 3 by typing "python3 --version" or "python3 -V".

Method 2: Using the Python Interactive Shell

Another way to check the version of the Python interpreter is to use the Python interactive shell. The Python interactive shell is a command-line interface that allows you to execute Python code interactively. Here are the steps to follow to check the version of Python using the Python interactive shell −

• Step 1 − Open a command prompt or terminal window on your machine.

• Step 2 − Type "python" or "python3" depending on which version of Python you want to check and press enter. This will open the Python interactive shell.

• Step 3 − Once you are in the Python interactive shell, type the following command and press enter −

import sys
print(sys.version)

This will display the version of the Python interpreter installed on your machine. For example, if you have Python 3.7.4 installed on your machine, you will see something like this −

3.7.4 (tags/v3.7.4:e09359112e, Jul  8 2019, 19:29:22) [MSC v.1916 32 bit (Intel)]

Method 3: Using an IDE

An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a software application that provides a comprehensive environment for software development. Most IDEs have a feature that displays the version of the Python interpreter installed on your machine. Her are the steps to follow to check the version of Python using an IDE −

• Step 1 − Open your preferred IDE on your machine.

• Step 2 − Once you have opened your IDE, look for a menu option or a button that displays the version of the Python interpreter.

• Step 3 − Click on the menu option or button to display the version of the Python interpreter installed on your machine.

The steps to check the version of Python using an IDE may vary depending on the IDE you are using. However, most modern IDEs have a simple way to check the version of the Python interpreter.

You can also use the following command −

from platform import python_version
print(python_version())

Method 4: Using the Help Menu

Open your Python interpreter or IDE and enter the following code −

help()

This will open the Python help menu. You can then enter modules to list all installed modules, including Python itself, and their version numbers.

In Jupyter notebook you’ll get something like below −

Welcome to Python 3.9's help utility!

If this is your first time using Python, you should definitely check out
the tutorial on the Internet at https://docs.python.org/3.9/tutorial/.

Enter the name of any module, keyword, or topic to get help on writing
Python programs and using Python modules.  To quit this help utility and
return to the interpreter, just type "quit".

To get a list of available modules, keywords, symbols, or topics, type
"modules", "keywords", "symbols", or "topics".  Each module also comes
with a one-line summary of what it does; to list the modules whose name
or summary contain a given string such as "spam", type "modules spam".

Why You Should Check the Version of Python Interpreter?

Each version of the Python interpreter has its own unique features, bug fixes, and compatibility requirements. It is important to check the version of the Python interpreter to ensure that your code runs smoothly and without errors.

If you are using an outdated version of Python, you may encounter compatibility issues with libraries and frameworks that require a newer version of Python. On the other hand, if you are using a newer version of Python, you may encounter compatibility issues with legacy code that was written using an older version of Python.

Checking the version of the Python interpreter is also important for collaboration purposes. If you are working on a project with other developers, it is essential to ensure that everyone is using the same version of Python to avoid compatibility issues.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can easily check the version of the Python interpreter installed on your machine and ensure that you are using the correct version for your development needs.