Check the Python Version on Linux and Windows

Why check

Libraries and frameworks need certain Python versions.
Syntax changes between versions. For example Python 2 used print "x" and Python 3 uses print("x").
Old features get removed. The version tells you what is safe to use.

With the command line

python3 --version

The short form gives the same result:

python3 -V

If you see "command not found", Python is not installed. Install it with your package manager.

With the interpreter

python3

Then type:

import sys
print(sys.version)

This prints the full version with build details. Leave the interpreter with exit().

With Command Prompt

Open cmd.exe and run:

python --version

If it does not work, try py --version.

With the interpreter

python

Then type:

import sys
print(sys.version)