Check Python Version

As you improve your basic Python skills, you’re going to find out (usually the hard way) that Python 2.x and Python 3.x are not as compatible as you expected. That’s why it’s important to establish Python version before starting a new project or deploying it into new environment.

Quickest Way to Check Python Version

Simply use -V option to one of the Python binaries available on your system:

root@srv:~ # python -V
Python 2.7.16
root@srv:~ # python3 -V
Python 3.7.3

You’ll get the same result if you use –version instead of -V:

root@srv:~ # python --version
Python 2.7.16
root@srv:~ # python3 --version
Python 3.7.3

Check Python Version By Running python Command

If you start Python in interpreter mode, it should report version information at the very start:

root@srv:~ # python
Python 2.7.16 (default, Oct 10 2019, 22:02:15)
[GCC 8.3.0] on linux2
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.

You’ll need to press Ctrl+D (or Cmd+D in macOS) to stop Python.

Check Python Version using sys.version

Sometimes you need to check Python version programmatically, from within your Python script. Then your best bet is to use the sys module:

greys@srv:~ $ python -c "import sys; print(sys.version)"
2.7.16 (default, Oct 10 2019, 22:02:15)
[GCC 8.3.0]

See Also

• Converting Epoch Time with Python
• Book Review: Practical Programming Python
• AttributeError: module has no attribute in Python
• Setting Alternatives Path for Python in RHEL8
• Simple HTTP Server with Python
• Book review: Introduction to Computer Science with Python
• Book Review: Text Processing with Python