Installing Python from a compressed archive, such as a .tar.gz or .zip file, can be a useful option for users who need to install a specific version of Python or who want to compile Python from source. In this blog post, we’ll provide a detailed guide to installing Python from a compressed archive on various operating systems.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure that you have the necessary tools and dependencies installed on your system. For example, on Linux, you’ll need a C compiler (such as gcc or clang) and the development libraries for various components (e.g., zlib, openssl).
Step 1: Download the Python Source Code
Visit the official Python website (https://www.python.org/) and navigate to the “Downloads” section. Select the “Source Code” option and download the latest version of Python in a compressed archive format (e.g., Python-3.x.y.tgz for Linux/Unix or Python-3.x.y.zip for Windows).
Step 2: Extract the Archive
Extract the downloaded archive to a directory of your choice. On Linux/Unix, you can use the tar command (e.g., tar -xzf Python-3.x.y.tgz). On Windows, you can use the built-in compression tools or a third-party program like 7-Zip.
Step 3: Configure the Installation (Optional)
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Before compiling Python, you can configure the installation by running the configure script located in the extracted directory. This script checks your system for dependencies and allows you to customize the installation (e.g., by specifying a prefix for the installation directory). To run the script, open a terminal or command prompt and navigate to the Python source directory. Then, run ./configure (Linux/Unix) or configure (Windows, if you’re using a Unix-like environment like Cygwin).
Step 4: Compile and Install Python
Once you’ve configured the installation (if desired), you can compile and install Python by running the make and make install commands (Linux/Unix) or the equivalent commands for your operating system. On Windows, you’ll need to use a compiler that supports Python’s build system (e.g., Visual Studio) and follow the instructions for compiling Python on Windows.
Note: The exact commands and steps may vary depending on your operating system and the version of Python you’re installing. Always refer to the official Python documentation for the most up-to-date instructions.
Step 5: Verify the Installation
After installing Python, verify that it’s installed correctly by opening a terminal or command prompt and typing python3 --version (Linux/Unix/macOS) or python --version (Windows). This should display the version of Python that you just installed.
Conclusion
Installing Python from a compressed archive can be a bit more involved than using a pre-compiled installer, but it gives you more control over the installation process. Whether you’re looking to install a specific version of Python or want to compile Python from source, following the steps outlined in this guide should help you get started.
As I write this, the latest version of Python is 3.12.4
