How to Install or Upgrade Python on CentOS 7/8 Stream: Build the Latest Python from Source

Python is a widely used high-level programming language known for its performance, flexibility, and extensive ecosystem. It is commonly used for web development, automation, data processing, and running large-scale applications in production environments.

Installing the latest stable version of Python on a CentOS server is straightforward when done correctly. In this guide, we will install Python 3.11.x (the latest stable release at the time of writing) by compiling it from source, ensuring compatibility, stability, and safe coexistence with the system’s default Python version.

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Updating Operating System Packages

Before updating Python directly, we update the operating system. Navigate terminal then execute:

Installing Python on CentOS

To work with Python you need to install it on your computer, which can be a non-trivial task for Linux newbies. At this point, we'll walk via the installation step by step and provide detailed tutorial with commands and descriptions of each step.

Installing additional packages

If your system does not have the "wget" module, execute the commands one after the other:

For further work, you need to get packages:

After successfully completing the installation, let's install the "Development Tools"

To continue, you must go to the directory:

Loading source files

We get the latest version from the Python.org website. Visiting it, under "Downloads\Source code" copy the download link we found and need. Then run in the terminal, pasting in the just copied link:
Python source files are downloaded from the official website maintained by the Python Software Foundation. Using the official source ensures that you receive a secure, stable, and up-to-date Python release without modifications, which is especially important for production and server environments.

After downloading, you must retrieve the contents of the archive. You can use this command to do so:

Navigate to the resulting Python-3.11.3 folder and install directly from the source code:

Complete the installation by executing the commands one after the other:

Make sure the update is successful by sending a line to the terminal:

If version 3.11.x of Python is displayed, then all previous steps have gone correctly! It is now possible to use the universal programming language for your own purposes.

Python version update

If you already have an earlier version of Python, follow the steps below.

Installing additional Python packages

In order to perform a Python version upgrade, a few new packages must be supplied in addition. Send commands to the terminal:

Loading source files

We get the latest version from the Python.org website. Visiting it, under "Downloads\Source code" copy the download link we found and need. Then run in the terminal, pasting in the just copied link:

After downloading, you must retrieve the contents of the archive. You can use this command to do so:

Update version

Navigate to the resulting Python-3.11.3 folder and install directly from the source code:

Check update

Make sure the update is successful by running the command:

If Python version 3.11.x is displayed then the update was successful.

Summary

In this review, we looked at "How to update Python on CentOS" by using source code files.

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FAQ: Installing and Upgrading Python on CentOS

• Q: Why should I upgrade to the latest version of Python on CentOS?
  A: The latest Python releases bring important security patches, performance improvements, and new features that older versions lack. Upgrading ensures your applications run securely and efficiently.
• Q: Can I install multiple Python versions on CentOS?
  A: Yes. You can compile a new version from source and keep it alongside the system default Python without breaking dependencies. Just make sure to call the correct version (e.g., python3.11).
• Q: What if I already have Python installed—should I remove the old version first?
  A: No. CentOS relies on Python for system tools, so do not remove the default version. Instead, install the latest version in parallel.
• Q: What packages are required before compiling Python from source?
  A: You’ll need development tools and libraries such as gcc, zlib-devel, openssl-devel, readline-devel, libffi-devel, and others to ensure a successful build.
• Q: How do I verify that Python was installed or upgraded correctly?
  A: Run the command python3 --version. If it shows the expected Python 3.11.x release (or higher), the installation/upgrade was successful.
• Q: Is it safe to update Python on a CentOS server?
  A: Yes, if done correctly. You should never remove the system Python version used by CentOS. Instead, install the latest Python release in parallel using make altinstall and explicitly call the required version (for example, python3.11). This approach prevents breaking system tools and services.
• Q: Should I use pyenv instead of compiling Python from source?
  A: pyenv is a convenient option for development environments and local machines. However, on production CentOS servers, compiling Python from source provides more control, predictable behavior, and better compatibility with system libraries, making it a preferred approach for server deployments.