changing python path on mac?

Question

I would like to change my PATH from Python 2.6.1 to 3.1.2. I have both versions installed on my computer, but when I type python --version in the terminal I get Python 2.6.1. So, thats the current version it's "pointing" to. Now if I type python3.1 it loads the version I want to use, although the PATH is still pointing to 2.6.1. Downloaded along with the Python 3.1 package comes an Update Shell Profile.command - when I run it and then run nano ~/.bash_profile it says:

Setting PATH for Python 3.1 the orginal version is saved in .bash_profile.pysave PATH="/Library/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/3.1/bin:${PATH}" export PATH.

Does this mean that I have changed the PATH, or does it just giving me instructions how to?

• Nathaniel Ford: For posterity, if you need to check what PATH your shell is using, you can type echo $PATH in the terminal.

Answer 1

PATH="/Library/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/3.1/bin:${PATH}" 
export PATH

This will append the Python directory to the path.

If this is part of ~/.bash_profile, this will append the Python path on each startup.

• Mikeumus: There is no mention of Python for me in /Library/Frameworks/ now in 2019 having installed python from python.org. It was here for me /usr/local/Cellar/python/3.7.2_1/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/3.7/lib/python3.7 thanks to this answer here: stackoverflow.com/a/2741579/1762493
• danday74: I needed to also add a symlink by running ... sudo ln -s -f /Library/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/3.9/bin/python3 /usr/local/bin/python

Answer 2

try the below lines

cd /usr/local/bin
cp python3.7 python

Then restart terminal

Answer 3

For those using a .zsh terminal instead of .bash, you might need to update your PATH using the command:

nano .zsh

Then update your PATH with the export command.

See the link below for more guide:
https://coolestguidesontheplanet.com/how-to-add-to-the-shell-path-in-macos-using-terminal/

Answer 4

i managed to fixed mine by removing python2, i don't if it's a good practice