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Python
Get Python

Get Python

Python distribution and version

Information on the Python distribution and version to download…

Python 3

Python 3 is the officially-supported version and is the one that is used in the Advanced Laboratories.

There are different releases of Python 3 (e.g. 3.12) and it is recommened to use the most recent release, but in particular a release of 3.6 or later.


Python Distribution

Conda-forge

conda-forge logo

The recommended way to install Python and associated packages such as Scipy, Numpy, Matplotlib, AstroPy etc. is from Conda-forge.

Conda-forge provides Python packages for a range of operating systems including Windows, Linux and Mac OS.

The Conda-forge installer is miniforge. There are various guides to miniforge online, such as here which guide you through the process.

Anaconda Python Distribution

anaconda logo

Alternatively Anaconda Python Distribution can be installed. Note that this is from a commercial company which now requires an email address to obtain the download link and the distribution includes many additional packages by Anaconda which require an Anaconda account to use.

Do not use Python 2!

Python 2 was officially sunset in early 2020.

A lot of basic Python 3 code will run in Python 2 but subtle differences can cause unexpected behaviour, especially with division of integers!