How to Install Multiple Python Versions on Ubuntu and Manage Them with venv

This tutorial will explain how to install multiple Python versions on Ubuntu and manage them with venv.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Install software-properties-common, which provides an easier way to manage the repositories from which you install software. Install it by running:

sudo apt install software-properties-common

Next, add the deadsnakes PPA to your system:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:deadsnakes/ppa
sudo apt update

Now you can install the Python versions you need. For example, to install Python 3.9 and Python 3.10:

sudo apt install python3.9 python3.9-venv
sudo apt install python3.10 python3.10-venv

Setting up venv

Virtual environments are a great way to create isolated spaces for your projects.

To create a virtual environment for a project that uses Python 3.9:

python3.9 -m venv project1

To activate this virtual environment:

source project1/bin/activate

You will notice a prompt change. Now if you execute python -V, it will shows Python 3.9 instead.

Switching Between Python Versions

If you have another project that uses Python 3.10, just set up another virtual environment:

python3.10 -m venv project2
source project2/bin/activate

Deactivating venv

When you’re done working in a virtual environment, you can deactivate it by executing:

deactivate