py3versions

py3versions

The `py3versions` command is a utility that helps users identify which versions of Python 3 are currently installed on their system. It scans standard installation directories and reports the detected Python 3 versions in a user-friendly format. This can be particularly useful for managing software dependencies, virtual environments, and ensuring compatibility across different Python projects.

The command simplifies the process of determining available Python 3 interpreters, allowing developers and system administrators to quickly verify the presence and number of Python 3 installations. It is often used in scripting and automation tasks to dynamically select the appropriate Python interpreter for specific tasks, based on the available versions.

The command relies on standard installation paths. If Python 3 versions are installed in non-standard locations, they might not be detected. Some distributions might not provide this command.

Running `py3versions` with no arguments will output a list of installed Python 3 versions, each on a new line.

Scripting: Dynamically select a Python 3 interpreter based on the available versions.
Development: Verify installed Python 3 versions for compatibility testing.
Administration: Audit installed Python 3 versions on a system.

The command's history is closely tied to the need for managing multiple Python versions on a single system. As Python 3 adoption grew alongside legacy Python 2 usage, utilities like `py3versions` emerged to help developers and administrators keep track of the installed Python 3 interpreters. Its purpose is to provide a straightforward method for identifying which Python 3 versions are installed and available for use.

python3(1), virtualenv(1), venv(1)