Setting Up Python on macOS: A Clean and Simple Approach

As a developer, having a clean and manageable Python environment is crucial. After trying various methods, I've found that using Homebrew to install Python on macOS offers the best balance of simplicity and functionality. In this article, I'll walk you through the process I used to set up Python on my Mac.

Why Homebrew?

Homebrew is a package manager for macOS that makes installing and managing software incredibly easy. It integrates well with the system and provides a straightforward way to keep your packages updated.

Step 1: Install Homebrew

If you don't have Homebrew installed, open Terminal and run:

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

Step 2: Install Python

With Homebrew installed, you can now install Python:

brew install python

This command installs the latest version of Python 3.

Step 3: Verify the Installation

Check your Python installation:

python3 --version
which python3
pip3 --version

You should see output similar to:

Python 3.12.4
/opt/homebrew/bin/python3
pip 24.0 from /opt/homebrew/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pip (python 3.12)

Step 4: Set Up Aliases

To use python instead of python3 and pip instead of pip3, add these aliases to your ~/.zshrc file:

echo 'alias python=python3' >> ~/.zshrc
echo 'alias pip=pip3' >> ~/.zshrc

Then, reload your shell:

source ~/.zshrc

Step 5: Using Virtual Environments

For project-specific dependencies, use virtual environments. Here's how to create and use one:

python -m venv myproject
source myproject/bin/activate

To deactivate the environment when you're done:

deactivate

Step 6: Installing Packages

With your virtual environment activated, you can install packages using pip:

pip install requests

To keep track of your project's dependencies:

pip freeze > requirements.txt

To install dependencies from a requirements.txt file:

pip install -r requirements.txt

Conclusion

This setup provides a clean, simple, and effective Python environment on macOS. It's easy to manage and update, and using virtual environments ensures that your projects remain isolated and reproducible.

Remember to activate your virtual environment whenever you work on a project, and deactivate it when you're done. Happy coding!