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Installing Python on OpenSUSE

OpenSUSE, with its robust package management system, provides a fertile ground for Python development.

In this tutorial, we'll walk through the process of installing Python on OpenSUSE, ensuring that you have a solid foundation to start your Python projects. We'll cover various methods, including using the default package manager, managing multiple versions, and setting up a development environment. Let's dive in!

Prerequisites​

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:.

  • An OpenSUSE system with administrative privileges.
  • Access to a terminal window (Konsole, GNOME Terminal, etc.).
  • An active internet connection to download packages.

Step 1: Update Your System​

It's always a good practice to update your system's package list and upgrade existing packages to ensure you have the latest information and dependencies. Open your terminal and run the following commands:. 

sudo zypper refresh
sudo zypper update

This will synchronize your package index files with the OpenSUSE package repositories and update any outdated packages on your system.

Step 2: Check Existing Python Installations​

OpenSUSE typically comes with Python pre-installed. Let's check which versions are available on your system:. 

python --version
python3 --version

You might see something like Python 3.6.8 or Python 2.7.17. Note that Python 2 has reached its end of life and should not be used for new projects. We'll focus on Python 3 for this guide.

Step 3: Install Python 3​

If Python 3 is not installed or you need a specific version, you can install it using zypper. For example, to install Python 3.8, you would run:. 

sudo zypper install python38 python38-doc python38-tk

This command installs Python 3.8, its documentation, and Tkinter, which is a standard GUI library for Python.

Step 4: Using Python Virtual Environments​

Virtual environments are crucial for managing dependencies for different projects. To create a virtual environment, you'll need the python3-venv package:. 

sudo zypper install python3-venv

Once installed, you can create a virtual environment in your project directory:. 

python3 -m venv myenv

Activate the virtual environment with:. 

source myenv/bin/activate

Your command prompt should now indicate that you are working inside the myenv virtual environment. To deactivate it, simply run:. 

deactivate

Step 5: Install Python via Alternative Methods​

If you need more control over your Python installations, consider using pyenv. It allows you to install multiple versions of Python and switch between them easily.

First, install the dependencies required for pyenv:. 

sudo zypper install git curl libssl-dev zlib1g-dev bzip2 libbz2-dev libreadline-dev libsqlite3-dev libffi-dev

Then, install pyenv itself:. 

curl https://pyenv.run | bash

Follow the on-screen instructions to add pyenv to your shell configuration file. Afterward, you can install different Python versions like so:. 

pyenv install 3.9.1

And set a global default:. 

pyenv global 3.9.1

Step 6: Managing Python Versions​

If you installed Python using pyenv, you could switch between versions using:. 

pyenv shell 3.9.1

For system-wide Python installations, you can use update-alternatives:. 

sudo update-alternatives --config python

This command lets you choose which version of Python should be the default.

Step 7: Using Package Managers (pip, conda)​

pip is the package manager for Python. It's used to install and manage Python packages. To install pip, run:. 

sudo zypper install python3-pip

For data science projects, you might prefer conda, which can be installed as follows:. 

wget https://repo.anaconda.com/miniconda/Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh
bash Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh

Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Step 8: Environment Modules​

For complex setups, environment modules can help manage multiple software versions. To use this feature, you might need to install the environment-modules package:. 

sudo zypper install environment-modules

Then, you can define and switch between different module environments.

Step 9: Path and Environment Variables​

Ensure that your PATH environment variable includes the directories for Python and pip. You can check your PATH with:. 

echo $PATH

If necessary, add the Python directories to your PATH in your shell configuration file:. 

export PATH="/path/to/python/bin:$PATH"

Step 10: Security Considerations​

Always install packages from reputable sources and keep them up to date. Use pip with caution and avoid running it with sudo unless absolutely necessary to prevent potential security risks.

Step 11: Troubleshooting Common Issues​

If you encounter issues, check the following:.

  • Ensure you have the correct permissions to install software.
  • Verify that your system's repositories are correctly configured.
  • Look for error messages in the terminal output for clues.

Step 12: Verification and Testing​

To verify your Python installation, run:. 

python3 --version

You can also enter the Python interpreter with:. 

python3

Try running a simple script to test your setup:. 

# test.py
print("Python is working!")

Execute it with:. 

python3 test.py

You should see the output: Python is working!

Step 13: Keeping Python Updated​

Regularly update your Python installations and packages:. 

sudo zypper update python3
pip install --upgrade package_name

You now have a comprehensive understanding of how to install Python on OpenSUSE. Whether you're using the system's package manager, pyenv, or conda, you're equipped with the knowledge to set up your Python development environment. Remember to keep your system updated and to use virtual environments to manage your project dependencies effectively.