Checking Your Python Version¶

This guide will help you verify that you have Python 3.9 or higher installed on your system, which is required to run the CS4341 referee system.

Command Line Method¶

Open your terminal (Command Prompt on Windows, Terminal on macOS/Linux)

Run one of these commands:

python --version
# or
python3 --version

You should see output like:
```
Python 3.10.8
```
Make sure the version number is 3.10.0 or higher.

Checking in Python¶

You can also check your version from within Python:

Open Python in interactive mode:
```
python
# or
python3
```
Run this code:
```
import sys
print(sys.version)
```

You'll see detailed version information like:

3.10.8 (main, Oct 13 2022, 10:17:43) [Clang 14.0.0 (clang-1400.0.29.102)]

Installing or Updating Python¶

If you don't have Python 3.9+ installed:

Windows¶

Visit the Python Downloads page
Download the latest Python 3 installer
Run the installer, making sure to check "Add Python to PATH"

macOS¶

Using Homebrew:

brew install python@3.12

Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)¶

sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3.12

Multiple Python Versions¶

If you have multiple Python versions installed:

You can specify the version explicitly:

python3.9 --version
python3.10 --version

Consider using virtual environments to manage different Python versions:

# Create a virtual environment with specific Python version
python3.10 -m venv myenv

# Activate it
source myenv/bin/activate  # On Unix/macOS
myenv\Scripts\activate     # On Windows

Troubleshooting¶

If you see an error like "python not found" or get a version lower than 3.10:

Make sure Python is properly installed
Check if Python is added to your system's PATH
Try using python3 instead of python
On Windows, try using py -3 or py -3.10

For additional help, consult the Python Installation Guide or contact the course staff.