Get or confirm a working Python 3, the one thing every build needs.
Last reviewed: 2026. The commands here are examples; the exact command and output depend on your operating system and setup. When something differs, prefer the official source for your tool.
What Python is for here
The builds are small Python programs. You need a working Python 3 to run them. That is the only reason this page exists.
Check whether you already have it
In a terminal, run one of these:
python3 --version
python --version
If either prints a version starting with 3 (for example Python 3.12.2), you already have what the builds need and can stop here.
Getting Python, by platform
Install from an official source rather than a random download. The concept is the same everywhere; the route differs.
Linux: Python 3 is usually preinstalled, or available through your distribution's package manager.
macOS: use the official installer from python.org, or a package manager if you already run one.
Windows: use the official installer from python.org, and tick the option to add Python to your PATH during install.
Confirm success
Open a new terminal and run python3 --version. A 3.x version means you are set.
Common traps
Multiple Python versions. A machine can have several. Pick one (usually python3) and stay consistent.
python vs python3. On some systems python is Python 2 or missing. If python fails, try python3.
PATH issues. If the terminal cannot find Python after installing, the install is not on your PATH. Re-open the terminal, or re-run the installer with the add-to-PATH option.
Terminal does not find Python. Close and re-open the terminal after installing, so it picks up the change.