How do I check which version of Python is running my script?

Asserting a Minimum Python Version

To make sure your script is running on the minimum required Python version, use assertion:

import sys
assert sys.version_info >= (3, 8), "Sorry mate, Python 3.8 or newer required. Time for an upgrade?!"


This stops your script from being executed on incompatible Python versions and causing a total bummer.

Checking Specific Version Features

Sometimes you want to use features that only exist in later Python versions. In those cases, it's usually safer to do a 'peekaboo' and check for the feature first, but you can also check the version.

import sys
if sys.version_info < (3, 7):
    # Time travel back for older Python versions
else:
    # Use the shiny new feature


Way less chances to trip over this check, and hey, self-explanatory too.

Digging into Version Details

For a closer look into your Python version, use sys.version to get a verbose, human-friendly version output. Like a version string with all the bells and whistles.

import sys
print(sys.version) # '3.8.5 (default, Jul 28 2020, 12:59:40) [...]


This gives you all three numbers, major, minor and micro, along with additional info. Kind of like Python's full name, if it had one.

Advanced Version Comparisons

Maybe you're an advanced Pythonista who needs to do some fancy stuff with hexadecimal version data:

import sys
if sys.hexversion >= 0x030800F0:
    print("You're running Python 3.8.0 or above. Neat!")


The sys.hexversion check allows you to do these comparisons in a single integer. It's Python's version of a secret handshake.

Checking Python Version in the Terminal

Or suppose you want to check the Python version before entering 'Buzz Lightyear mode' and running your script. You can do this straight from the command-line:

python -V


Or if you're IPython or Jupyter notebooks fan:

!python -V


Extra Tools for Version Info

If you want more tools in your belt, you can also get Python version using the platform module:

from platform import python_version
print(python_version())


Another pretty way to print your Python version, no muss, no fuss.

Dealing with Version-Specific Imports

Imagine Python modules as the cast of Friends. Some versions know Rachel, others know Monica (just a joke, folks!).

try:
    import some_module # New in Python X.Y
except ImportError:
    import alternative_module as some_module # For older versions


With this way, no matter the version, you have a fallback. And you keep your code friendly and sociable across all Python versions.

Communicating Version Requirements

Just like a good front door sign, let your users know if their Python version lacks the wow factor :

import sys
if sys.version_info < (3, 8):
    raise RuntimeError("This script is the cool kid at the block, needs Python 3.8 or up!")


Using sys.version_info like a Pro

Remember sys.version_info from before? It's a tuple so you can use it for complex comparisons:

import sys
major, minor, micro, releaselevel, serial = sys.version_info

if major == 3 and minor >= 6: # Play with the new toys from Python 3.6+
    # Some nifty new syntax or library usage


Showing Python Docs Some Love

While you're at it, don't forget to check out the detailed docs for things like sys.hexversion. You'll be surprised how much more there is to Python versioning!