Sign In
Sign In

How to Update Python

How to Update Python
Awais Khan
Technical writer
Python
29.01.2025
Reading time: 8 min

As software evolves, so does the need to keep your programming environment up-to-date. Python, known for its versatility and widespread application, frequently sees new version releases. These updates frequently bring new features, performance enhancements, and crucial security patches for developers and organizations that depend on Python. Ensuring that Python is up-to-date guarantees enhanced performance and fortified security.

We'll explore different methods for updating Python, suited to your needs.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

  • Administrative access to your cloud server.
  • Reliable internet access.

Updating Python

Several methods are available to update Python on a cloud server. Here are four effective methods to achieve this.

Method 1: Via Package Manager

Employing a package manager makes updating Python a quick and effortless task. This approach is simple and quick, especially for users who are familiar with package management systems.

Step 1: Find the Current Python Version

Begin by validating the Python version on your server via:

python --version

or for Python 3:

python3 --version

Image3

Step 2: Update Package Repository

Make sure your package repository is updated to receive the latest version data by applying:

sudo apt update

Step 3: Upgrade Python

Then, proceed to use your package manager to install the current version of Python:

sudo apt install --upgrade python3

Image4

This will bring your Python installation up to the latest version provided by your package repository.

Method 2: Building Python from Source

Compiling Python from the source provides the ability to customize the build process and apply specific optimizations. This method is especially useful for developers who need a customized Python build tailored to their requirements. Check out these instructions:

Step 1: Install Dependencies

Get the essential dependencies from the default package manager for building process:

sudo apt install build-essential zlib1g-dev libncurses5-dev libgdbm-dev libnss3-dev libssl-dev libreadline-dev pkg-config libffi-dev wget

Image7

Step 2: Download Python Source Code

Then, get the updated Python source code by visiting the official website

Image6

You could also opt to download it directly using wget:

wget https://www.python.org/ftp/python/3.13.1/Python-3.13.1.tgz

Substitute 3.13.1 with your preferred Python version number.

Image9

Step 3: Extract the Package

Once downloaded, simply extract the tarball via:

tar -xf Python-<latest-version>.tgz

Image8

Step 4: Set Up and Compile Python

Enter the extracted folder and configure the installation using these commands:

cd Python-<latest-version>
./configure --enable-optimizations

Image11

Once done, compile Python via make command given below:

make -j $(nproc)

Image10

Note: The above command utilizes all available CPU cores to speed up the build process. On a machine with limited resources, such as CPU and 1GB RAM, limit the number of parallel jobs to reduce memory usage. For example, apply:

make -j1

Step 5: Install Python

Following compilation, go ahead and install Python through:

sudo make install

Image14

Note: The make altinstall command can be applied too instead of make install. Implementing this will prevent any interruptions to your system tools and applications that require the default Python version. However, extra steps are needed:

  • Verify the installed location via:

ls /usr/local/bin/python3.13
  • Apply update-alternatives system for managing and switching multiple Python versions:

sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/python3 python3 /usr/local/bin/python3.13 1
sudo update-alternatives --config python3

Step 6: Validate the Python Installation

Close the terminal and open again. Then check the newly installed version via:

python3 --version

Image12

Method 3: Via Pyenv 

Pyenv is a go-to solution for maintaining different Python versions on the same system. It offers a versatile method for installing and switching between various Python versions. To update Python through Pyenv, use the following instructions.

Step 1: Install Dependencies

First, set up the dependencies needed for compiling Python:

sudo apt install -y make build-essential libssl-dev zlib1g-dev libbz2-dev libreadline-dev libsqlite3-dev wget curl llvm libncurses5-dev libncursesw5-dev xz-utils tk-dev libffi-dev liblzma-dev git

Image13

Step 2: Install Pyenv

Following that, utilize the curl command to download and install Pyenv:

curl https://pyenv.run | bash

Image15

Step 3: Update Shell Configuration

After that, reload the shell configuration:

export PYENV_ROOT="$HOME/.pyenv"
[[ -d $PYENV_ROOT/bin ]] && export PATH="$PYENV_ROOT/bin:$PATH"
eval "$(pyenv init - bash)"

Step 4: Install Recent Python 

Once completion is completed, display all available Python versions with:

pyenv install --list

Image16

Then proceed to install the version you want via:

pyenv install <latest-version>  

Image17

Configure the newly installed version as the system-wide default through:

pyenv global <latest-version>

Image18

Step 5: Verify the Installation

Confirm the new Python version by applying:

python --version

Image19

Method 4: Via Anaconda 

Anaconda supplies a full-featured distribution of Python and R, specifically aimed at data science and computational applications. It simplifies package handling and implementation, providing an accessible and efficient framework for developers. Here’s are the steps:

Step 1: Fetch Anaconda Installer

Fetch the Anaconda installer script directly from the official site:

wget https://repo.anaconda.com/archive/Anaconda3-<latest-version>-Linux-x86_64.sh

Replace <latest-version> with the desired version number.

For example:

wget https://repo.anaconda.com/archive/Anaconda3-2024.06-1-Linux-x86_64.sh

Image20

Step 2: Run the Installer

Run the installer script through bash:

bash Anaconda3-<latest-version>-Linux-x86_64.sh

Image21

Adhere to the prompts to finalize the installation.

Step 3: Initialize Anaconda

Set up Anaconda by incorporating it into your shell configuration using:

source ~/.bashrc

Step 4: Update Anaconda

Ensure Anaconda is updated by applying:

conda update conda

Image22

Confirm the Python installation through:

conda install python=<version>

Image1

Step 5: Verify the Installation

Identify the Python version being utilized in your Anaconda configuration. Apply:

python --version

Image2

Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Python Environment

Listed below are some key practices to ensure your Python environment runs smoothly and efficiently:

  • Regular Updates and Maintenance

For maintaining optimal performance and security, it is important to keep your Python environment updated frequently. It's recommended to check for updates periodically and apply them as needed. 

  • Using Virtual Environments

It's a good idea to use virtual environments when working with Python. They let you set up separate environments for each project, so dependencies and versions stay separate. Tools like venv and virtualenv can help manage these environments efficiently.

  • Backup and Version Control

It's always a good idea to maintain backups of your important projects and configurations. Git helps you record changes, work with teammates, and switch back to older versions when needed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Listed here are frequent problems you may face and ways to solve them:

  • Dependency Conflicts

Sometimes, upgrading Python or installing new packages can lead to dependency conflicts. To resolve these conflicts, consider using tools like pipenv or poetry that manage dependencies and virtual environments.

  • Path Issues

After upgrading Python, you might encounter issues with the PATH environment variable. Ensure that your system recognizes the correct Python version by updating the PATH variable in your shell configuration file (e.g., .bashrc, .zshrc).

Security Considerations

Ensuring the protection of your Python environment is essential. Follow these recommendations to maintain a secure environment:

  • Stick to trusted sources when downloading packages. Use PIP's hash-checking mode to confirm package integrity.
  • Always review the code and documentation before incorporating a new package.
  • Stay informed with security updates and advisories from the Python ecosystem and package maintainers.
  • Keep PIP and your packages updated regularly to ensure protection with the newest security fixes and improvements.

FAQs

Q1: What's the recommended approach to updating Python on a cloud server?

A: The best method depends on your requirements. For a straightforward update, using a package manager is ideal. For customization, building from source is recommended. Pyenv is great for managing multiple versions, while Anaconda is tailored for data science needs.

Q2: How frequently should I update my Python environment?

A: Periodically review for updates and implement them to ensure top performance and robust security.

Q3: What should I do if I encounter issues after updating Python?

A: Refer to the troubleshooting section for common issues. Check the PATH variable for accuracy, and use virtual environments to solve any dependency conflicts.

Conclusion

Updating Python on a cloud server can be accomplished through various methods depending on your preferences and requirements. Whether using a package manager, compiling from source, managing versions with Pyenv, or leveraging Anaconda, each approach has its benefits. By following this comprehensive guide, you can ensure your Python environment remains current, secure, and equipped with the latest features. Regularly updating Python is essential to leverage new functionalities and maintain the security of your applications.

Python
29.01.2025
Reading time: 8 min

Similar

Python

Python Static Method

A static method in Python is bound to the class itself rather than any instance of that class. So, you can call it without first creating an object and without access to instance data (self).  To create a static method we need to use a decorator, specifically @staticmethod. It will tell Python to call the method on the class rather than an instance. Static methods are excellent for utility or helper functions that are logically connected to the class but don't need to access any of its properties.  When To Use & Not to Use a Python Static Method Static methods are frequently used in real-world code for tasks like input validation, data formatting, and calculations—especially when that logic naturally belongs with a class but doesn't need its state. Here's an example from a User class that checks email format: class User: @staticmethod def is_valid_email(email): return "@" in email and "." in email This method doesn't depend on any part of the User instance, but conceptually belongs in the class. It can be used anywhere as User.is_valid_email(email), keeping your code cleaner and more organized. If the logic requires access to or modification of instance attributes or class-level data, avoid using a static method as it won't help here. For instance, if you are working with user settings or need to monitor object creation, you will require a class method or an instance method instead. class Counter: count = 0 @classmethod def increment(cls): cls.count += 1 In this example, using a static method would prevent access to cls.count, making it useless for this kind of task. Python Static Method vs Class Method Though they look similar, class and static methods in Python have different uses; so, let's now quickly review their differences. Defined inside a class, a class method is connected to that class rather than an instance. Conventionally called cls, the class itself is the first parameter; so, it can access and change class-level data. Factory patterns, alternate constructors, or any activity applicable to the class as a whole and not individual instances are often implemented via class methods. Conversely, a static method is defined within a class but does not start with either self or cls parameters. It is just a regular function that “lives” inside a class but doesn’t interact with the class or its instances. For utility tasks that are conceptually related to the class but don’t depend on its state, static methods are perfect. Here's a quick breakdown of the Python class/static methods differences: Feature Class Method Static Method Binding Bound to the class Not bound to class or instance First parameter cls (class itself) None (no self or cls) Access to class/instance data Yes No Common use cases Factory methods, class-level behavior Utility/helper functions Decorator @classmethod @staticmethod Python Static Method vs Regular Functions You might ask: why not just define a function outside the class instead of using a static method? The answer is structure. A static method keeps related logic grouped within the class, even if it doesn't interact with the class or its instances. # Regular function def is_even(n): return n % 2 == 0 # Static method inside a class class NumberUtils: @staticmethod def is_even(n): return n % 2 == 0 Both functions do the same thing, but placing is_even inside NumberUtils helps keep utility logic organized and easier to find later. Let’s proceed to the hands-on Python static method examples. Example #1 Imagine that we have a MathUtils class that contains a static method for calculating the factorial: class MathUtils: @staticmethod def factorial(n): if n == 0: return 1 else: return n * MathUtils.factorial(n-1) Next, let's enter: print(MathUtils.factorial(5))120 We get the factorial of 5, which is 120. Here, the factorial static method does not use any attributes of the class instance, only the input argument n. And we called it using the MathUtils.factorial(n) syntax without creating an instance of the MathUtils class. In Python, static methods apply not only in classes but also in modules and packages. The @staticmethod decorator marks a function you define inside a class if it does not interact with instance-specific data. The function exists on its own; it is related to the class logically but is independent of its internal state. Managed solution for Backend development Example #2 Let's say we're working with a StringUtils module with a static method for checking if a string is a palindrome. The code will be: def is_palindrome(string):    return string == string[::-1] This function doesn't rely on any instance-specific data — it simply performs a check on the input. That makes it a good candidate for a static method. To organize it within a class and signal that it doesn't depend on the class state, we can use the @staticmethod decorator like this: class StringUtils:    @staticmethod    def is_palindrome(string):       return string == string[::-1] Let's enter for verification: print(StringUtils.is_palindrome("deed"))True print(StringUtils.is_palindrome("deer"))False That's correct, the first word is a palindrome, so the interpreter outputs True, but the second word is not, and we get False. So, we can call the is_palindrome method through the StringUtils class using the StringUtils.is_palindrome(string) syntax instead of importing the is_palindrome function and calling it directly. - Python static method and class instance also differ in that the static cannot affect the state of an instance. Since they do not have access to the instance, they cannot alter attribute values, which makes sense. Instance methods are how one may modify the instance state of a class. Example #3 Let's look at another example. Suppose we have a Person class that has an age attribute and a static is_adult method that checks the value against the age of majority: class Person:    def __init__(self, age):        self.age = age    @staticmethod    def is_adult(age):       return age >= 21 Next, let's create an age variable with a value of 24, call the is_adult static method from the Person class with this value and store its result in the is_adult variable, like this: age = 24is_adult = Person.is_adult(age) Now to test this, let's enter: print(is_adult)True Since the age matches the condition specified in the static method, we get True. In the example, the is_adult static method serves as an auxiliary tool—a helper function—accepting the age argument but without access to the age attribute of the Person class instance. Conclusion Static methods improve code readability and make it possible to reuse it. They are also more convenient when compared to standard Python functions. Static methods are convenient as, unlike functions, they do not call for a separate import. Therefore, applying Python class static methods can help you streamline and work with your code greatly. And, as you've probably seen from the examples above, they are quite easy to master. On our app platform you can find Python applications, such as Celery, Django, FastAPI and Flask. 
16 April 2025 · 6 min to read
Python

Input in Python

Python provides interactive capabilities through various tools, one of which is the input() function. Its primary purpose is to receive user input. This function makes Python programs meaningful because without user interaction, applications would have limited utility. How the Python Input Works This function operates as follows: user_name = input('Enter your name: ') user_age = int(input('How old are you? ')) First, the user is asked to enter their name, then their age. Both inputs are captured using a special operator that stores the entered values in the variables user_name and user_age. These values can then be used in the program. For example, we can create an age-based access condition for a website (by converting the age input to an integer using int()) and display a welcome message using the entered name: if user_age < 18: print('Sorry, access is restricted to adults only') else: print('Welcome to the site,', user_name, '!') So, what happens when int() receives an empty value? If the user presses Enter without entering anything, let's see what happens by extending the program: user_name = input('Enter your name: ') user_age = int(input('How old are you? ')) if user_age < 18: print('Sorry, access is restricted to adults only') else: print('Welcome to the site,', user_name, '!') input('Press Enter to go to the menu') print('Welcome to the menu') Pressing Enter moves the program to the next line of code. If there is no next line, the program exits. The last line can be written as: input('Press Enter to exit') If there are no more lines in the program, it will exit. Here is the complete version of the program: user_name = input('Enter your name: ') user_age = int(input('How old are you? ')) if user_age < 18: print('Sorry, access is restricted to adults only') else: print('Welcome to the site,', user_name, '!') input('Press Enter to go to the menu') print('Welcome to the menu') input('Press Enter to exit') input('Press Enter to exit') If the user enters an acceptable age, they will see the message inside the else block. Otherwise, they will see only the if block message and the final exit prompt. The input() function is used four times in this program, and in the last two cases, it does not store any values but serves to move to the next part of the code or exit the program. input() in the Python Interpreter The above example is a complete program, but you can also execute it line by line in the Python interpreter. However, in this case, you must enter data immediately to continue: >>> user_name = input('Enter your name: ') Enter your name: Jamie >>> user_age = int(input('How old are you? ')) How old are you? 18 The code will still execute, and values will be stored in variables. This method allows testing specific code blocks. However, keep in mind that values are retained only until you exit the interactive mode. It is recommended to save your code in a .py file. Input Conversion Methods: int(), float(), split() Sometimes, we need to convert user input into a specific data type, such as an integer, a floating-point number, or a list. Integer conversion (int()) We've already seen this in a previous example: user_age = int(input('How old are you? ')) The int() function converts input into an integer, allowing Python to process it as a numeric type. By default, numbers entered by users are treated as strings, so Python requires explicit conversion. A more detailed approach would be: user_age = input('How old are you? ') user_age = int(user_age) The first method is shorter and more convenient, but the second method is useful for understanding function behavior. Floating-point conversion (float()) To convert user input into a floating-point number, use float(): height = float(input('Enter your height (e.g., 1.72): ')) weight = float(input('Enter your weight (e.g., 80.3): ')) Or using a more detailed approach: height = input('Enter your height (e.g., 1.72): ') height = float(height) weight = input('Enter your weight (e.g., 80.3): ') weight = float(weight) Now, the program can perform calculations with floating-point numbers. Converting Input into a List (split()) The split() method converts input text into a list of words: animals = input('Enter your favorite animals separated by spaces: ').split() print('Here they are as a list:', animals) Example output: Enter your favorite animals separated by spaces: cat dog rabbit fox bear Here they are as a list: ['cat', 'dog', 'rabbit', 'fox', 'bear'] Handling Input Errors Users often make mistakes while entering data or may intentionally enter incorrect characters. In such cases, incorrect input can cause the program to crash: >>> height = float(input('Enter your height (e.g., 1.72): ')) Enter your height (e.g., 1.72): 1m72 Traceback (most recent call last): File "<pyshell#2>", line 1, in <module> height = float(input('Enter your height (e.g., 1.72): ')) ValueError: could not convert string to float: '1m72' The error message indicates that Python cannot convert the string into a float. To prevent such crashes, we use the try-except block: try: height = float(input('Enter your height (e.g., 1.72): ')) except ValueError: height = float(input('Please enter your height in the correct format: ')) We can also modify our initial age-input program to be more robust: try: user_age = int(input('How old are you? ')) except ValueError: user_age = int(input('Please enter a number: ')) However, the program will still crash if the user enters incorrect data again. To make it more resilient, we can use a while loop: while True: try: height = float(input('Enter your height (e.g., 1.72): ')) break except ValueError: print('Let’s try again.') continue print('Thank you!') Here, we use a while loop with break and continue. The program works as follows: If the input is correct, the loop breaks, and the program proceeds to the final message: print('Thank you!'). If the program cannot convert input to a float, it catches an exception (ValueError) and displays the message "Let’s try again."  The continue statement prevents the program from crashing and loops back to request input again. Now, the user must enter valid data before proceeding. Here is the complete code for a more resilient program: user_name = input('Enter your name: ') while True: try: user_age = int(input('How old are you? ')) break except ValueError: print('Are you sure?') continue if user_age < 18: print('Sorry, access is restricted to adults only') else: print('Welcome to the site,', user_name, '!') input('Press Enter to go to the menu') print('Welcome to the menu') input('Press Enter to exit') This program still allows unrealistic inputs (e.g., 3 meters tall or 300 years old). To enforce realistic values, additional range checks would be needed, but that is beyond the scope of this article. 
08 April 2025 · 6 min to read
Python

Operators in Python

Python operators are tools used to perform various actions with variables, as well as numerical and other values called operands—objects on which operations are performed. There are several types of Python operators: Arithmetic Comparison Assignment Identity Membership Logical Bitwise This article will examine each of them in detail and provide examples. Arithmetic Operators For addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, we use the Python operators +, -, *, and / respectively: >>> 24 + 28 52 >>> 24 - 28 -4 >>> 24 * 28 672 >>> 24 / 28 0.8571428571428571 For exponentiation, ** is used: >>> 5 ** 2 25 >>> 5 ** 3 125 >>> 5 ** 4 625 For floor division (integer division without remainder), // is used: >>> 61 // 12 5 >>> 52 // 22 2 >>> 75 // 3 25 >>> 77 // 3 25 The % operator returns the remainder (modulo division): >>> 62 % 6 2 >>> 65 % 9 2 >>> 48 % 5 3 >>> 48 % 12 0 Comparison Operators Python has six comparison operators: >, <, >=, <=, ==, !=. Note that equality in Python is written as ==, because a single = is used for assignment. The != operator is used for "not equal to." When comparing values, Python will return True or False depending on whether the expressions are true or false. >>> 26 > 58 False >>> 26 < 58 True >>> 26 >= 26 True >>> 58 <= 57 False >>> 50 == 50 True >>> 50 != 50 False >>> 50 != 51 True Assignment Operators A single = is used for assigning values to variables: >>> b = 5 >>> variants = 20 Python also provides convenient shorthand operators that combine arithmetic operations with assignment: +=, -=, *=, /=, //=, %=. For example: >>> cars = 5 >>> cars += 7 >>> cars 12 This is equivalent to: >>> cars = cars + 7 >>> cars 12 The first version is more compact. Other assignment operators work similarly: >>> train = 11 >>> train -= 2 >>> train 9 >>> moto = 3 >>> moto *= 7 >>> moto 21 >>> plain = 8 >>> plain /= 4 >>> plain 2.0 Notice that in the last case, the result is a floating-point number (float), not an integer (int). Identity Operators Python has two identity operators: is and is not. The results are True or False, similar to comparison operators. >>> 55 is 55 True >>> 55 is 56 False >>> 55 is not 55 False >>> 55 is not 56 True >>> 55 is '55' False >>> '55' is "55" True In the last two examples: 55 is '55' returned False because an integer and a string were compared. '55' is "55" returned True because both operands are strings. Python does not differentiate between single and double quotes, so the identity check was successful. Membership Operators There are only two membership operators in Python: in and not in. They check whether a certain value exists within a sequence. For example: >>> wordlist = ('assistant', 'streetcar', 'fraudster', 'dancer', 'heat', 'blank', 'compass', 'commerce', 'judgment', 'approach') >>> 'house' in wordlist False >>> 'assistant' in wordlist True >>> 'assistant' and 'streetcar' in wordlist True In the last case, a logical operator (and) was used, which leads us to the next topic. Logical Operators Python has three logical operators: and, or, and not. and returns True only if all operands are true. It can process any number of values. Using an example from the previous section: >>> wordlist = ('assistant', 'streetcar', 'fraudster', 'dancer', 'heat', 'blank', 'compass', 'commerce', 'judgment', 'approach') >>> 'assistant' and 'streetcar' in wordlist True >>> 'fraudster' and 'dancer' and 'heat' and 'blank' in wordlist True >>> 'fraudster' and 'dancer' and 'heat' and 'blank' and 'house' in wordlist False Since 'house' is not in the sequence, the result is False. These operations also work with numerical values: >>> numbers = 54 > 55 and 22 > 21 >>> print(numbers) False One of the expressions is false, and and requires all conditions to be true. or works differently: it returns True if at least one operand is true. If we replace and with or in the previous example, we get: >>> numbers = 54 > 55 or 22 > 21 >>> print(numbers) True Here, 22 > 21 is true, so the overall expression evaluates to True, even though 54 > 55 is false. not reverses logical values: >>> first = True >>> second = False >>> print(not first) False >>> print(not second) True As seen in the example, not flips True to False and vice versa. Bitwise Operators Bitwise operators are used in Python to manipulate objects at the bit level. There are five of them (shift operators belong to the same type, as they differ only in shift direction): & (AND) | (OR) ^ (XOR) ~ (NOT) << and >> (shift operators) Bitwise operators are based on Boolean logic principles and work as follows: & (AND) returns 1 if both operands contain 1; otherwise, it returns 0: >>> 1 & 1 1 >>> 1 & 0 0 >>> 0 & 1 0 >>> 0 & 0 0 | (OR) returns 1 if at least one operand contains 1, otherwise 0: >>> 1 | 1 1 >>> 1 | 0 1 >>> 0 | 1 1 >>> 0 | 0 0 ^ (XOR) returns 1 if the operands are different and 0 if they are the same: >>> 1 ^ 1 0 >>> 1 ^ 0 1 >>> 0 ^ 1 1 >>> 0 ^ 0 0 ~ (NOT) inverts bits, turning positive values into negative ones with a shift of one: >>> ~5 -6 >>> ~-5 4 >>> ~7 -8 >>> ~-7 6 >>> ~9 -10 >>> ~-9 8 << and >> shift bits by a specified number of positions: >>> 1 << 1 2 >>> 1 >> 1 0 To understand shifts, let’s break down values into bits: 0 = 00 1 = 01 2 = 10 Shifting 1 left by one bit gives 2, while shifting right results in 0. What happens if we shift by two positions? >>> 1 << 2 4 >>> 1 >> 2 0 1 = 001 2 = 010 4 = 100 Shifting 1 two places to the left results in 4 (100 in binary). Shifting right always results in zero because bits are discarded. For more details, refer to our article on bitwise operators. Difference Between Operators and Functions You may have noticed that we have included no functions in this overview. The confusion between operators and functions arises because both perform similar actions—transforming objects. However: Functions are broader and can operate on strings, entire blocks of code, and more. Operators work only with individual values and variables. In Python, a function can consist of a block of operators, but operators can never contain functions.
08 April 2025 · 6 min to read

Do you have questions,
comments, or concerns?

Our professionals are available to assist you at any moment,
whether you need help or are just unsure of where to start.
Email us
Hostman's Support