Python

by Python Software Foundation · Developer tools

Open sourceWindowsMacLinux

The popular general-purpose programming language and its official installer.

Official download from python.org (opens in a new tab)

Opens python.org, Python Software Foundation's own site. No mirror, no bundle.

Overview

What is Python?

Python is used for scripting, automation, data science, AI and web back ends. The official installer includes pip; on Windows tick "Add python.exe to PATH" during setup.

Key features

  • pip package installer
  • Huge standard library
  • IDLE editor included
  • Runs on every major OS

Best for

  • Beginners learning to program
  • Automation and data work
  • AI and machine-learning projects

Included in starter kits

Install

How to install Python

  1. 1Open the official Python download page on python.org.
  2. 2Pick the build for your system (Windows, Mac, Linux; check x64, ARM or Apple silicon where offered).
  3. 3Run the installer and read each screen; decline anything you did not ask for.
  4. 4Keep it updated from the app's own updater or your package manager.

Install from the command line

Python has no package ID we could verify in winget, Homebrew or Flathub, so use the official download page.

Package IDs checked against the public winget, Homebrew and Flathub repositories on 1 Nov 2026. Build a script for several apps.

Safety

Download Python safely

  • Check the domain

    The real download lives on python.org. Look-alike domains and search ads are the most common trap.

  • Skip mirrors

    Download portals can wrap installers in adware or old versions. You never need them for this app.

  • Verify if you can

    If the publisher lists a checksum, compare it with our in-browser checker before running the file.

  • Watch the installer

    Untick extras, browser changes or trials you did not ask for.

Open the checksum checker

Alternatives

Python alternatives

Other developer tools apps, closest platform match first.

All development

FAQ

Python questions

Where can I download Python safely?

Download Python only from Python Software Foundation's official site at python.org. Avoid mirror and "download portal" sites, which can bundle extra software with the installer.

Is Python free?

Yes. Python is open-source software and free to use.

Does Python work on Windows, Mac and Linux?

Python is available for Windows, Mac, Linux. Check Python Software Foundation's download page for exact system requirements and whether your processor (x64, ARM or Apple silicon) is supported.

What are good alternatives to Python?

See the alternatives section on this page and the full developer tools list on AltFTool, which shows each app's licence and platforms side by side.