How to Install Python on macOS – Ultimate Guide (2025 Updated)

Python is one of the most powerful programming languages, mostly used in data science, machine learning, and big data analytics.

Method 1: Install Python via Official Installer

Step 1: Download Python

• Visit python.org/downloads.
• Select the latest Python 3.x release (e.g., Python 3.12).

Step 2: Run the Installer

1. Open the .pkg file and follow the prompts.
2. Check “Add Python to PATH” during installation.

Step 3: Verify Installation

python3 --version   # Should return "Python 3.x.x"
pip3 --version      # Check if pip is installed

Method 2: Install Python via Homebrew

Step 1: Install Homebrew (if missing)

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Step 2: Install Python

brew install python

Step 3: Verify

which python3   # Should show path like /usr/local/bin/python3

Method 3: Install Multiple Versions with pyenv

Step 1: Install pyenv

brew install pyenv

Step 2: Add to Shell Config

Add these lines to ~/.zshrc (or ~/.bashrc):

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

Step 3: Install Python Versions

pyenv install 3.12.0   # Install specific version
pyenv global 3.12.0    # Set default version

Method 4: Use Xcode Command Line Tools

Step 1: Install Xcode CLI Tools

xcode-select --install

Step 2: Verify Python

python3 --version   # macOS includes Python 3.9+ by default (may be outdated)

Check Preinstalled Python

Most Macs come with Python 2.7 (deprecated) and Python 3.x (minimal).

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python --version    # Python 2.7.x (do not use)
python3 --version   # System Python 3.x (if present)

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. python3 Command Not Found

• Ensure Python 3 was installed correctly.
• Update PATH in ~/.zshrc:

  export PATH="/usr/local/bin:$PATH"

2. Conflicts Between Python Versions

Use pyenv to manage versions or create virtual environments:

python3 -m venv myenv
source myenv/bin/activate

3. Homebrew Permissions Issues

Fix ownership:

sudo chown -R $(whoami) /usr/local/*

Which Method Should You Use?

Recommended Workflow

1. Use Homebrew or pyenv for development.
2. Always create virtual environments (venv or pipenv) for projects.
3. Avoid modifying the system Python (/usr/bin/python3).

Next Steps

• Install an IDE like VS Code or PyCharm.
• Learn to use pip for package management:

  pip3 install pandas numpy