M3 MacBook setup for development env - Python
I'currently taking a AI/ML course so my choice for working with python is Conda. However, I'm used to pyenv so I wanted to try if my previous setup notes on a Intel MacBook were still valid.
macOS used to come with Python 2.7 pre-installed between versions 10.8 and 12.3. It doesn't anymore.
However, If you've installed Xcode or its Command Line Tools you have Python 3.9.x installed.
Apple's developer tools come with their own Python distribution.
Command lines to verify if Python is installed
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
which python3 | To check location |
python3 --version | To check Python's version |
python3 -c "import sys; print(sys.prefix)" | To check where this Python is installed |
It would display something like:
Double checking: Python3.framework should be listed as part of the Apple Command Line Tools ls -l $(xcode-select --print-path)/Library/Frameworks
Removing the Python installed with XCode CLT is not a good idea. Instead, install a newer version of Python with Homebrew.
brew install python3
Yet,⚠️ the Homebrew Python documentation recommends pyenv to manage Python environments.
As a RoR developer, pyenv used to be my first option on my previous Intel Macbook pro, as it was forked from rbenv and ruby-build, and modified it for python.
I use conda now.
Here are my notes from before:
- To make pyenv work, install build dependencies through Homebrew. Open Terminal, then type in:
brew install openssl readline xz zlib
....
....
brew install pyenv
You should see .pyenv/ in your home directory. After checking, add it to your zshshell
echo 'export PYENV_ROOT="$HOME/.pyenv"' >> ~/.zshrc
echo '[[ -d $PYENV_ROOT/bin ]] && export PATH="$PYENV_ROOT/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.zshrc
echo 'eval "$(pyenv init -)"' >> ~/.zshrc
Now, it's ready to be used!
pyenv install 3.10
....
....
pyenv global 3.10
Note: There are three options to select a Pyenv-installed Python as the version to use:
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
pyenv shell <version> | Select just for the current shell session |
pyenv local <version> | Automatically select whenever you are in the current directory |
pyenv global <version> | Select globably for your user |