Setting up Python on macOS Tahoe
macOS Tahoe is an excellent platform for Python development. While the system may include a version of Python for its own use, it is highly recommended to install a separate version for development to avoid conflicting with system tools.
This guide relies on Homebrew for installation. If you haven't set it up yet, please see Package Management with Homebrew on macOS Tahoe.
Installing Python
The easiest way to install the latest version of Python is via Homebrew.
- Open your terminal.
- Run the installation command:
brew install python- Verify the installation:
python3 --version
pip3 --versionVirtual Environments
It is best practice to use virtual environments for your projects. This keeps dependencies required by different projects separate.
Creating a Virtual Environment
Navigate to your project directory and run:
python3 -m venv venvThis creates a folder named venv in your directory containing a standalone Python installation.
Activating the Environment
To start using the virtual environment:
source venv/bin/activateYour terminal prompt should now show (venv), indicating that you are working inside the isolated environment.
Deactivating
To exit the virtual environment and return to the global Python context:
deactivateManaging Packages with Pip
Once your virtual environment is active, you can install packages using pip.
pip install requestsTo save your project's dependencies to a file:
pip freeze > requirements.txtTo install dependencies from a file:
pip install -r requirements.txt