Install Python and virtual environments

Python comes pre-installed on most Linux distributions, but you may need a newer version or proper virtual environment setup for your projects.

Step 1 — Check current Python version

python3 --version

Step 2 — Install Python and essential tools

sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip python3-venv python3-dev -y

Step 3 — Create a virtual environment

Virtual environments isolate project dependencies:

mkdir ~/myproject && cd ~/myproject
python3 -m venv venv

Step 4 — Activate the virtual environment

source venv/bin/activate

Your prompt changes to show (venv). All pip installs now go into this environment.

Step 5 — Install packages

pip install flask gunicorn requests

Save dependencies:

pip freeze > requirements.txt

Install from requirements:

pip install -r requirements.txt

Step 6 — Deactivate the environment

deactivate

Install a newer Python version (if needed)

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:deadsnakes/ppa -y
sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3.12 python3.12-venv python3.12-dev -y

Create a venv with the new version:

python3.12 -m venv venv312

Using pip globally (not recommended)

If you must install packages globally:

pip install --break-system-packages package_name

Tip

Always use virtual environments for production applications. This prevents dependency conflicts and makes deployments reproducible. Combine with systemd services for production deployment.