How to make python3.2 interpreter the default inte

Question

I got both python2 and python3 installed in my debian machine. But when i try to invoke the python interpreter by just typing 'python' in bash, python2 pops up and not python3. Since I am working with the latter at the moment, It would be easier to invoke python3 by just typing python. Please guide me through this.

Answer 1

Well, you can simply create a virtualenv with the python3.x using this command:

virtualenv -p <path-to-python3.x> <virtualenvname>

Answer 2

using command:

    update-alternatives --config python

Might Work However On My System(I have Python2&3 Installed As Well) It Gives Me An Error Saying No Alternatives For Python...

Answer 3

the only somehow safe way would be to use an alias in your shell, by placing

alias python=python3

into your ~/.profile or ~/.bashrc...

this way the system scripts depending on python being python2 won't be affected.

Answer 4

btw, if you are using bash or running from the shell, and you normally include at the top of the file the following line:

#!/usr/bin/python

then you can change the line to instead be:

#!/usr/bin/python3

That is another way to have pythonX run instead of the default (where X is 2 or 3).

Answer 5

Others have adviced you about the possible drawbacks, so, on the issue at hand:

ln -s $(which python3) /usr/local/bin/python