Python is a popular and versatile high-level programming language, renowned for its simplicity and readability. To ensure the smooth running of your Python programs, it’s critical to know which Python version you’re using.
In this article, we’ll guide you step by step on how to check your Python version on Windows 7.
Why Check Your Python Version?
Before we delve into the steps, it’s important to understand why you should know your Python version. Python has undergone multiple versions and updates, each with its own set of features, enhancements, and bug fixes.
While Python 3 is the latest version, some people might still use Python 2 for reasons such as legacy codebases or specific library dependencies. Checking your Python version helps in identifying compatibility issues with your code or understanding errors that might crop up during coding or execution.
Methods to Check Python Version on Windows 7
There are two primary methods to check the Python version in Windows 7: using the Command Prompt or Python’s Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Here is a detailed walkthrough of each method.
Using Command Prompt
- Open Command Prompt: Click on the Start button, then navigate to the search bar and type ‘cmd’. Press enter to open the Command Prompt.
- Check Python Version: Type the command ‘python –version’ in the Command Prompt and press enter. If Python is correctly installed, the Command Prompt will output the Python version you have installed. The output should look something like this: ‘Python 3.9.0’.
- If it returns a ‘Python is not recognized as an internal or external command’ error, it means Python is either not installed or the Python path isn’t added to the system environment variables.
Using Python’s Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
- Open Python’s IDE: Click on the Start button, then navigate to the search bar and type ‘python’. Click on Python (command line) or IDLE (Python GUI) to open it.
- Check Python Version: Once the Python shell is open, the first line should indicate your Python version. An example output could be: ‘Python 3.9.0 (tags/v3.9.0:1abd2a1, Oct 5 2020, 00:00:00)’.
Remember, the numbers ‘3.9.0’ refer to the major, minor, and micro Python version, respectively.
Keeping Your Python Version Updated
Maintaining your Python version up to date ensures that you have the latest features and security patches. To update Python on Windows 7, you can download the latest Python version from the official Python website and run the installer.
Ensure to check ‘Add Python to PATH’ during the installation process to add Python to your system environment variables, allowing it to be recognized by your system.
Conclusion
Knowing your Python version is an essential step in Python programming on Windows 7. Whether it is to ensure compatibility, debug errors, or update your Python version, understanding how to check your Python version using the command prompt or Python’s IDE will certainly come in handy. Make sure to keep your Python updated to benefit from the latest features and improvements.
