Python Version History

Python has evolved over time, with numerous updates and releases since its introduction in the late 1980s. With every update, this flexible programming language’s functionality and efficiency are enhanced, and known bugs are fixed, making it much more user-friendly. In the following pages, we highlight the major releases of Python through December 2024.

Table of Content

• How to Check Python Version?
• Different Python Versions
• Comparisons between the Python Versions
• How do I upgrade to a newer version?
• What if Your Computer has Multiple Python Versions?

How to Check Python Version?

How to Check Python Version in Windows?

To verify the version of Python installed on your computer, follow these steps for Windows:

• Open the Command Prompt (type “cmd” in the Start menu).
• Type python –version or python3 –version and hit Enter.
• The version of Python will appear on the screen.

If that does not work for you, it means Python is not installed. You can get it from python.org.

How to Check Python Version in Mac?

To verify the version of Python installed on your computer, follow these steps for Mac:

• Start by Launching Terminal (Find it in Applications > Utilities or search with Spotlight)
• Type “python –version” or “python3 –version” and hit Enter
• You will then notice the version number of Python.

If it isn’t quoted, then you probably don’t have it installed, so go ahead and get the software from python.org.

How to Check Python Version in Linux?

To verify the version of Python installed on your computer, follow these steps for Linux:

• Open a terminal.
• Type python –version or python3 –version and press Enter.
• It will display Python’s version.

If the version is not displayed, your system may not have Python installed. Install it using the package manager (eg: “sudo apt install python3” on Ubuntu).

Different Python Versions

1. Python 1.0 (January 26, 1994):

• The first official Python language version is Python 1.0.
• Such constructs refer to very basic building blocks such as functions, modules, and exception handling.
• Although its library support was small and limited, it provided groundwork that will, in the future, serve as a stepping stone for Python’s growth.

2. Python 2.0 (October 16, 2000):

• Python 2.0 introduced list comprehensions and other improved garbage collection features.
• It ensured backward compatibility with Python 1.0, allowing existing users to transition more easily.

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3. Python 2.7 (July 3, 2010):

• Final version in the Python 2.x series, Python 2.7:
• It has been used widely for many years but finally ended in 2020.
• Improved syntax capabilities, which involves stronger error management and the enhancement of string formatting.

4. Python 3.0 (December 3, 2008):

• The Python 3.0 launches were milestones in consistent simplification and removal of redundancy in the language.
• It included default Unicode support and also eliminated some anomalies from Python 2.

5. Python 3.5 (September 13, 2015):

• Python 3.5 introduced the ‘async’ and ‘await’ keywords, empowering asynchronous programming through the ‘asyncio’ library.
• It bolstered type hinting with ‘TypeVar’ and ‘Generic,’ promoting higher code quality.

6. Python 3.8 (October 14, 2019):

• Python 3.8 introduced the ‘walrus operator’ (:=), allowing assignment expressions within more significant expressions.
• It featured enhancements in f-strings, type hints, and the ‘math’ library.

7. Python 3.9 (October 5, 2020):

• Python 3.9 unveiled the ‘zoneinfo’ module for time zone management and the ‘peg_parser’ module for parsing tasks.
• It streamlined dictionary merging and introduced new syntax elements like ‘union’ operators for dictionaries.

8. Python 3.13 (October 7, 2024)

• The new Interactive Interpreter has been made more user-friendly for coding by incorporating multi-line editing and color support.
• Experimental Free-Threaded Mode: This mode allows Python to run without the Global Interpreter Lock (GIL) for improved performance in multi-threading.

Python’s evolution continues with regular updates, each aiming to refine the language’s utility, performance, and feature set. Users are encouraged to transition to Python 3.x, as Python 2.x is no longer actively maintained. It’s important to note that developments beyond September 2021 may have introduced new Python versions and enhancements.

Comparisons between the Python Versions

Let’s provide a comparison of the mentioned Python versions:

Python 1.0 vs. Python 2.0

Python 2.7 vs. Python 3.0

Python 3.5 vs. Python 3.8

Python 3.9 vs. Python 3.13

Feature	Python 3.9	Python 3.13
Performance	Standard performance with no significant speed boosts	10%–60% faster in Python 3.11; an additional 5% boost in 3.12
New Syntax Features	Lacks structural pattern matching	Includes match and case statements for pattern matching
Error Reporting	Basic error messages	Improved error messages with detailed and helpful debugging information

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How do I upgrade to a newer version?

1. Windows

Use the widget (Windows Package Manager) command to upgrade Python:

Update the Python package: “winget upgrade –id Python.Python.3”

2. MacOS

1. Homebrew Method (recommended): Install Homebrew in your system if you don’t have it:
2. Code:  /bin/bash -c “$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)”
3. Run this command to upgrade your Python version:

brew update
brew upgrade python

3. LinuxOS

• For Ubuntu/Debian:

  sudo apt update
  sudo apt install python3

• For Fedora/RHEL:

  sudo dnf install python3

What if Your Computer has Multiple Python Versions?

Have one or two versions of Python installed on your computer? Suppose a particular project requires a specific version of Python, and you need to work on it. That’s when the actual confusion starts. Because of the multiple Python versions on the computer, their dependencies might be mismatched.

Install virtual environments such as Venv or Virtualenv to avoid such a scenario. They will help you create separate environments for each project with a different Python version and dependencies. You can also use a tool called Pyenv to manage multiple versions of Python on your computer and make it easy to switch between different versions.

Conclusion

The versions show Python’s progress over the past, which is evident in each new version, improving usability, performance, and modern features. Users should migrate to the latest version of Python, the 3.x version, for continued support and access to new features and improvements.

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