How to Install pyenv python on Ubuntu 24.04

Are you a Python developer working on Ubuntu? Managing multiple Python versions can quickly become a headache. Whether you're juggling legacy projects requiring older Python versions or experimenting with the latest features, pyenv is your essential tool for streamlined Python version management.

In this guide, we'll walk you through installing pyenv on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. You'll be able to effortlessly switch between Python versions, create isolated virtual environments, and keep your development environment clean and organized.

Why Use Pyenv?

System-wide Python installations can be restrictive and messy. Pyenv solves this by allowing you to install and manage multiple Python versions in your home directory. Here's why it's a game-changer:

• Version Isolation: Run different Python versions side-by-side without conflicts. Perfect for projects with varying Python requirements.
• Clean System: Keeps your system Python installation untouched, avoiding potential system instability.
• Easy Switching: Quickly switch between Python versions globally or project-specific.
• Virtual Environment Management: Integrates seamlessly with virtual environment tools like pyenv-virtualenv (which we'll touch upon!).

Prerequisites

Before we dive into installation, ensure you have the necessary dependencies on your Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. Open your terminal and run:

Bash

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y build-essential libssl-dev zlib1g-dev libbz2-dev libreadline-dev libsqlite3-dev wget curl llvm libncursesw5-dev xz-utils tk-dev libxml2-dev libxmlsec1-dev libffi-dev liblzma-dev

These packages provide essential build tools and libraries required to compile Python from source, which pyenv utilizes.

Step-by-Step Installation of Pyenv on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Let's get pyenv installed!

1. Install Pyenv using Curl:

   The recommended way to install pyenv is using the curl command. This downloads the pyenv-installer script and executes it.

   Bash

   curl https://pyenv.run | bash
   

   This script clones the pyenv repository to ~/.pyenv and sets up the necessary environment configurations.

2. Configure Your Shell Environment:

   After the installation script completes, you'll see instructions on how to configure your shell environment. This usually involves adding a few lines to your shell configuration file (.bashrc for Bash, or .zshrc for Zsh).

   Open your shell configuration file using your favorite text editor (like nano, vim, or neovim). For Bash, use:

   Bash

   nano ~/.bashrc
   

   Add the following lines to the end of the file:

   Bash

   export PYENV_ROOT="$HOME/.pyenv"
   [[ -d $PYENV_ROOT/bin ]] && export PATH="$PYENV_ROOT/bin:$PATH"
   eval "$(pyenv init - bash)"
   eval "$(pyenv virtualenv-init -)" # Optional: For pyenv-virtualenv
   

   • export PYENV_ROOT="$HOME/.pyenv": Sets the PYENV_ROOT environment variable, telling pyenv where it's installed.
   • [[ -d $PYENV_ROOT/bin ]] && export PATH="$PYENV_ROOT/bin:$PATH": Adds the pyenv executable directory to your PATH, allowing you to run pyenv commands from anywhere.
   • eval "$(pyenv init - bash)": Initializes pyenv for your shell. This is crucial for pyenv to function correctly.
   • eval "$(pyenv virtualenv-init -)": (Optional) Initializes pyenv-virtualenv for automatic virtual environment management. Highly recommended for cleaner project setups!

   Save the file and exit the text editor.

3. Apply Changes to Your Current Shell:

   For the changes to take effect in your current terminal session, you need to source your shell configuration file:

   Bash

   source ~/.bashrc
   

   or, for Zsh:

   Bash

   source ~/.zshrc
   

   Alternatively, you can simply close and reopen your terminal.

4. Verify Pyenv Installation:

   To confirm that pyenv is installed correctly, run:

   Bash

   pyenv --version
   

   You should see the installed pyenv version number if the installation was successful.

Using Pyenv to Manage Python Versions

Now that pyenv is installed, let's see it in action!

1. Install a Python Version:

   Let's install Python 3.12.9. Run:

   Bash

   pyenv install 3.12.9
   

   pyenv will download and compile Python 3.12.9. This might take a few minutes.

2. Set a Global Python Version:

   To set Python 3.12.9 as your global Python version (the default Python when you open a new terminal), use:

   Bash

   pyenv global 3.12.9
   

3. Verify the Active Python Version:

   Check the active Python version by running:

   Bash

   python --version
   

   You should now see Python 3.12.9 (or whichever version you installed and set).

4. Switch Back to System Python:

   To revert back to your system's default Python version, use:

   Bash

   pyenv global system
   

   Verify again with python --version.

Exploring Pyenv Virtual Environments (Optional but Recommended)

For truly isolated project environments, explore pyenv-virtualenv. It's a pyenv plugin that simplifies virtual environment management. With pyenv-virtualenv, you can create isolated environments for each project, ensuring dependencies don't clash.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully installed pyenv on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and taken the first step towards efficient Python version management. Pyenv empowers you to control your Python environment, making development smoother and more organized.