How to Install and Use pyenv on Windows, Ubuntu, and macOS: A Complete Guide

How to Install and Use pyenv on Windows, Ubuntu, and macOS

Managing multiple Python versions across different operating systems can be a challenge. Whether you're developing projects that require different Python versions or simply want better control over your development environment, pyenv makes it easy to install, switch, and manage multiple Python versions seamlessly. This guide will walk you through the setup of pyenv on Windows, Ubuntu, and macOS, with detailed instructions for each.

1. Installing pyenv on Windows

Setting up pyenv on Windows is straightforward thanks to the pyenv-win package.

Step 1: Install pyenv-win

Open PowerShell or Command Prompt as an administrator.

Install pyenv-win with the following command:

pip install pyenv-win --target C:\Users\<username>\.pyenv

Step 2: Update Environment Variables

Right-click on This PC → Properties → Advanced system settings → Environment Variables.
Under System variables, find and select Path, then click Edit.

Add the following paths:

C:\Users\<username>\.pyenv\pyenv-win\bin
C:\Users\<username>\.pyenv\pyenv-win\shims

Step 3: Install Python Versions

To install a specific Python version, use:

pyenv install 3.9.5

Replace 3.9.5 with any version you want.

Step 4: Set the Global or Local Python Version

To set a global version of Python:

pyenv global 3.9.5

To set a local Python version for a specific project or directory:

pyenv local 3.9.5

Step 5: Verify Python Version

Check which version of Python is currently active:

pyenv version

2. Installing pyenv on Ubuntu

Setting up pyenv on Ubuntu involves a few dependencies and commands.

Step 1: Install Dependencies

Open the terminal and install dependencies:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y make build-essential libssl-dev zlib1g-dev libbz2-dev libreadline-dev libsqlite3-dev wget curl llvm libncurses5-dev libncursesw5-dev xz-utils tk-dev libffi-dev liblzma-dev python-openssl git

Step 2: Install pyenv

Clone the pyenv repository to your home directory:

git clone https://github.com/pyenv/pyenv.git ~/.pyenv

Step 3: Update Shell Configuration

Add pyenv to your shell's startup file (.bashrc or .zshrc):

echo 'export PYENV_ROOT="$HOME/.pyenv"' >> ~/.bashrc
echo 'export PATH="$PYENV_ROOT/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc
echo 'eval "$(pyenv init --path)"' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

Step 4: Install Python Versions

Install any version of Python using:

pyenv install 3.9.5

Step 5: Set Global or Local Python Version

To set a global Python version:

pyenv global 3.9.5

For a local version:

pyenv local 3.9.5

3. Installing pyenv on macOS

Step 1: Install Homebrew (If Not Installed)

First, install Homebrew (the macOS package manager), if you haven't already:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Step 2: Install pyenv

Once Homebrew is installed, you can easily install pyenv:

brew install pyenv

Step 3: Update Shell Configuration

Add pyenv to your shell configuration file (.bash_profile, .zshrc, or .bashrc):

echo 'export PYENV_ROOT="$HOME/.pyenv"' >> ~/.bash_profile
echo 'export PATH="$PYENV_ROOT/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bash_profile
echo 'eval "$(pyenv init --path)"' >> ~/.bash_profile
source ~/.bash_profile

Step 4: Install Python Versions

To install Python 3.9.5 or any version, run:

pyenv install 3.9.5

Step 5: Set Global or Local Python Version

To set a global Python version:

pyenv global 3.9.5

For a local version:

pyenv local 3.9.5

Common pyenv Commands

Here are some useful pyenv commands to manage Python versions:

List installed Python versions:
```
pyenv versions
```
List available Python versions:
```
pyenv install --list
```
Install a specific Python version:
```
pyenv install <version>
```
Set global Python version:
```
pyenv global <version>
```
Set local Python version:
```
pyenv local <version>
```
Check active Python version:
```
pyenv version
```

Conclusion

Whether you're working on Windows, Ubuntu, or macOS, pyenv is a powerful tool to easily manage multiple Python versions. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to set up pyenv on your system and take full control over your Python development environment.

How to Install and Use pyenv on Windows, Ubuntu, and macOS: A Complete Guide