Installation
Instructions for installing Python on macOS and Windows operating systems can be found here.
For most users, it is recommended to download the current stable release from https://www.python.org/downloads/.
Some developers might wish to use a different version, or to switch between versions. For this, the Python version manager can be useful.
Python is also available for use in Brown's Computing Environments:
Oscar (for high-performance computing)
Stronghold (for secure computing)
macOS 16.X Ventura
The following instructions have been tested on computers running macOS 16 Big Ventura. In order to check the macOS version running on your computer, click on the "apple" icon in the top left hand corner of your screen and select "About This Mac." A window will pop up that includes a version number. Confirm you are running at least Version 16.X (where 'X' is any number). These instructions will likely work with earlier versions of macOS as well. If you are not running macOS 11.X Big Sur, you can upgrade for free following the instructions provided on Apple's website.
Download Python
Navigate to https://www.python.org/downloads/ and download the most recent version of Python for macOS.
Install Python
Open the downloaded file (e.g., python-3.12.3-macos11.pkg). A window will pop up with installation instructions. Progress through the prompts until Python has been installed in your Applications folder. Next, double click on the Python folder shortcut in your Applications folder to open it.
Run Python
Open, Terminal, type python3, and hit return. Python should open. To quit Python, type quit() and hit return.
Troubleshooting
If you get a Permission denied error, rerun the command prepended with sudo. You will be prompted to enter your computer password.
WindowsOS
The following instructions have been tested on computers running Windows 10. Confirm that you are running at least Windows 10. These instructions will likely work with earlier versions of Windows, however they have not been tested.
Download Python
Navigate to https://www.python.org/downloads/ and download the most recent version of Python for Windows (32-bit or 64-bit depending on the specifications of your device).
Install Python
Open the downloaded file (e.g., python-3.10.10-amd64.exe). A window will pop up with installation instructions. Progress through the prompts until Python has been installed on your device. When prompted with Advanced Options, make sure to check "Add Python to environment variables".
Run Python
Open Command Prompt, type py, and hit enter. Python should open to quit Python, type quit() and hit return.
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