Installed versions of Python

[SamHobbs]

I am new to Python. I have not been as methodical as I should about installing Python. I am interested in some guidance about the versions I have installed.

I am using Windows 10 and Microsoft Visual Studio. I have used Visual Studio for doing as much of the the installations it does.

When I execute Python from a command prompt I get Python 3.7.1.

Executing:

os.path.dirname(sys.executable)

I get C:\Program Files\Python37 and that is the only version in C:\Program Files. I also have a:

C:\Users\Sam\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python35

And that concerns me. I am concerned I might get confused about what version I am using.

In Visual Studio the only version of Python that is listed in Python Environments is 3.7. So am I safe in assuming I am using Python 3.7.1? Will the version 3.5 in AppData be a problem?

Correction: in Visual Studio when I choose to Add/Remove Python Environments I get 64-bit Python versions 3.5, 3.6 and 3.7, 32-bit Python version 3.7 and Anaconda 5.2.0.

[jefsummers]

Should not be a problem. If you run IDLE what version does it say? That is the last check. But you will find VS Code to be a far better environment than IDLE.

[SamHobbs]

Should not be a problem. If you run IDLE what version does it say? That is the last check. But you will find VS Code to be a far better environment than IDLE.

Thank you. I think I do not have IDLE yet, I will consider installing it. I will install whatever IDE that a book uses once I choose a book.

Note that there is confusion about names. Microsoft seems to use confusing names intentionally to confuse. Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code are very different. Visual Studio is the one that has been around for about two decades and is best for Microsoft technology. Visual Studio Code is more generalized and supports non-Microsoft technology better. I am familiar with Visual Studio so I will use it if possible but I fully understand I will probably need to switch to something else later.

[snippsat]

You could install newer version look at Python 3.9/3.8 and pip installation under Windows
Visual Studio Code is more geared against Python,take a look at VS Code from start

So am I safe in assuming I am using Python 3.7.1? Will the version 3.5 in AppData be a problem?

It's no problem to have many version i have a lot from python.org and Anaconda/Miniconda...ect.
For main version used most i like that python and pip point to that version(Windows Environment Variables Path) for easier editor setup and stuff,
then can use py to call other version.
Example same in cmd here use cmder(recommend).

G:\div_code
λ python -V
Python 3.9.5

G:\div_code
λ pip -V
pip 21.2.4 from c:\python39\lib\site-packages\pip (python 3.9)

G:\div_code
λ py -0
Installed Pythons found by py Launcher for Windows
 -3.9-64 *
 -3.8-64
 -3.7-32
 -3.6-32
 -3.5-32
 -3.4-32
 -2.7-32

G:\div_code

[SamHobbs]

You could install newer version look at Python 3.9/3.8 and pip installation under Windows

Thank you. Yes, of course. Except it is a little complicated for me. Without getting into details, I certainly can use the latest version of Python if I do not use Visual Studio as my IDE (I assume I can if I use Visual Studio Code).

[jefsummers]

True - VSCode seems aware of the various versions on your device, and you can choose the environment easily