Can't Find Python (or Something)

[snippsat]

I have verified with the command python3 --version that Python exists as it returns 'Python 3.12.0'

Then all is ok.
Python is not pre-installed on Mac automatically anymore.
Previously Mac came with a pre-installed Python 2.7 and then python command did return 2,7(now dead💀).

I have tried adding a .zshrc file with paths to these directories.

You can use alias in .zshrc file.
Do first which python3 the result Path:

alias python=/<your path>/python3

Then both python and python3 point to Python 3.12.

Some other way in this link like eg using pyenv .