101 — Setting Up Python for DevOps

Beginner

Install Python 3.12 on macOS or Linux, create an isolated virtual environment, and confirm pip is ready — the foundation every DevOps automation script depends on.

Learning Objectives

Install Python 3.12 using the package manager for your OS

Understand why virtual environments matter for DevOps scripts

Create and activate a virtual environment with python3 -m venv

Verify pip is working inside the environment

Know how to deactivate and re-enter a virtual environment

Step 1

Check whether Python 3 is already installed

Before installing anything, check what Python version is already on your machine. Many Linux systems ship with Python 3 pre-installed, and macOS may have it via Homebrew or Xcode tools.

Commands to Run

python3 --version

What This Does

python3 --version prints the installed Python version.

If you see Python 3.10 or higher, your system already meets the minimum requirement.

If the command is not found or you see a version below 3.10, follow Step 2 (macOS) or Step 3 (Linux) to install a current version.

Expected Outcome

If Python is already installed: Python 3.12.x (or similar 3.10+ version).

If not found: command not found: python3.

Pro Tips

1
Python 3.10 is the minimum for this course. Python 3.12 is recommended.
2
Never run `python` without the `3` suffix — on many systems that still launches Python 2.
3
If you already have Python 3.10+, you can skip Steps 2 and 3 and jump to Step 4.

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