How To Install Python on CentOS Stream 10

In this tutorial, we will show you how to install Python on CentOS Stream 10. Python is a versatile and powerful programming language widely used for web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, scientific computing, and more. Installing Python on CentOS Stream 10 can enhance your development experience by providing a robust environment for running Python applications. This guide will walk you through the process of installing Python on CentOS Stream 10, ensuring you have all the necessary steps and troubleshooting tips to get started smoothly.

Understanding CentOS Stream 10

What is CentOS Stream?

CentOS Stream is a rolling-release distribution that serves as a preview of the next minor version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). Unlike traditional CentOS, which was a stable release, CentOS Stream allows users to experience upcoming features and improvements before they are officially released in RHEL. This makes it an excellent choice for developers and system administrators who want to stay ahead of the curve.

System Requirements for Python Installation

Before installing Python, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster
• RAM: Minimum 1 GB (2 GB recommended)
• Disk Space: At least 5 GB of free space
• Internet Connection: Required for downloading packages and dependencies

Preparing Your System

Updating CentOS Stream 10

Keeping your system updated is crucial for security and stability. Start by updating your CentOS Stream 10 installation. Open a terminal and run the following command:

sudo dnf update

This command will refresh your package manager and install any available updates. It is advisable to reboot your system after updates to apply all changes effectively.

Installing Required Development Tools

To compile Python from source, you need to install several development tools and libraries. Execute the following commands in your terminal:

sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools"

sudo dnf install openssl-devel bzip2-devel libffi-devel wget

The first command installs essential development tools like GCC, make, and others. The second command installs libraries required for building Python.

Installing Python

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Step 1: Downloading Python

The next step is to download the desired version of Python from the official website. You can find the latest releases at python.org/downloads. For this guide, we will use Python 3.11 as an example. Use the following command to download it:

wget https://www.python.org/ftp/python/3.12.8/Python-3.12.8.tgz

Step 2: Extracting the Downloaded Archive

Once the download is complete, you need to extract the contents of the tar file. Run this command:

tar xzf Python-3.12.8.tgz

This command will create a directory named Python-3.11.3, containing all necessary files for installation.

Step 3: Configuring the Build Environment

Navigate into the extracted directory to prepare for installation:

cd Python-3.12.8

You will now configure the build environment using the following command:

./configure --enable-optimizations

The –enable-optimizations flag optimizes the Python binary by enabling additional optimizations that can improve performance.

Step 4: Compiling and Installing Python

The final step in installing Python is compiling it from source and installing it on your system. Use these commands:

make altinstall

The make altinstall command builds the software and installs it without overwriting the default system version of Python (usually Python 2.x). This ensures that both versions can coexist without conflicts.

Verifying Installation

Checking Installed Version

After installation, verify that Python has been installed correctly by checking its version:

python3.11 --version

This command should return something like Pytho n 3.12.8, confirming that installation was successful.

Ensuring pip is Installed

Pip is a package manager for Python that allows you to install additional libraries easily. Check if pip was installed with Python using this command:

pip3.12 --version

If pip is not installed, you can install it using:

wget https://bootstrap.pypa.io/get-pip.py
python3.12 get-pip.py

Post-Installation Configuration

Setting Up Virtual Environments

A virtual environment allows you to create isolated environments for different projects, preventing dependency conflicts between them. To create a virtual environment with Python 3.11, use these commands:

python3.12 -m venv myenv
source myenv/bin/activate

The first command creates a new virtual environment named myenv, while the second command activates it, allowing you to install packages specifically within this environment.

Installing Additional Packages with pip

You can now use pip to install additional packages as needed for your projects. For example, to install Flask, a popular web framework, run:

pip install Flask

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Common Installation Errors

If you encounter errors during installation, here are some common issues and their solutions:

• Error: Missing Dependencies:
  If you see errors related to missing libraries during configuration or compilation, ensure that all required development tools and libraries are installed.
• Error: Permission Denied:
  If you encounter permission issues while running commands, prepend sud o to gain administrative privileges.
• Error: Command Not Found:
  If your terminal cannot find commands like python or pip after installation, ensure that your PATH variable includes the directory where they are installed.

Resolving Path Issues

If multiple versions of Python are installed on your system, you may want to manage them using update-alternatives. To set up alternatives for different versions of Python, run:

sud o update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/python python /usr/bin/python2.x 1
sud o update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/python python /usr/bin/python3.x 2
update-alternatives --config python

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Python. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Python on CentOS Stream 10 system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Python website.