Easily Change Anaconda Python Version: Step-By-Step Guide

Python is a versatile programming language widely used in various industries. However, different projects may require different Python versions and sometimes developers may need to switch between different versions.

In this article, we will guide you on changing the Python version in Pycharm when using Anaconda.

If you’re a developer using Pycharm, you know that Anaconda is a popular distribution of Python that comes with many pre-installed libraries and tools.

Changing the Python version within Anaconda can be challenging, but don’t worry – we have covered you with this easy-to-follow guide.

Key Takeaways:

• Changing Python versions in Pycharm is crucial for optimizing your coding experience and ensuring your projects use the desired version.
• Using Anaconda Python distribution can make changing Python versions even more challenging.

Understanding Python Version Control in Pycharm

Before we dive into changing the Python version in Pycharm, let’s first understand the concept of Python version control and its significance in Pycharm.

Python version control refers to the ability to switch between different versions of Python in your development environment. This is particularly useful when working on projects requiring specific Python versions or testing code compatibility.

Pycharm, a popular integrated development environment (IDE) for Python, offers built-in Python version control. With Pycharm, you can easily switch between versions of Python without having to install or reconfigure anything.

Python version control in Pycharm is managed through the Python interpreter. The interpreter is responsible for executing Python code and controlling the version of Python used for your projects.

Now that we have a basic understanding of Python version control in Pycharm, let’s move on to the practical steps of changing the Python version.

Checking the Current Python Version in Pycharm

Before making any changes to the Python version in Pycharm, we need to verify the current version being used. This is important to avoid any conflicts between the different versions.

To check the current Python version in Pycharm, follow these steps:

1. Open Pycharm and select the project for which you want to check the Python version.
2. Click on the “File” menu and select “Settings.”
3. In the settings menu, navigate to “Project:” and select “Python Interpreter.”
4. The project’s current Python version will be displayed in the window’s top right corner under the “Project Interpreter” section.

If the current Python version is not the one you want to use, you can proceed to the next section to install the desired version in Anaconda.

Installing a New Python Version in Anaconda

Before changing the Python version in Pycharm, we must install the desired version in Anaconda. Follow the steps below to install a new Python version in Anaconda:

1. Launch the Anaconda Navigator.
2. Click on the Environments tab.
3. Click on the Create button to create a new environment.
4. Enter a name for the new environment.
5. Select the desired Python version from the drop-down list.
6. Click the Create button to create the environment with the selected Python version.

After creating the new environment, you can activate it by clicking on the Play button next to the environment name in the environments tab. Once the new environment is activated, we can configure the Python interpreter in Pycharm to use the desired version.

Configuring Python Interpreter in Pycharm

Now that we have installed the desired Python version in Anaconda, we need to configure the Python interpreter in Pycharm to use it. Follow these steps to configure the Python interpreter in Pycharm:

1. Open Pycharm and go to File > Settings.
2. Click the “Project Interpreter” option under the “Project” section.
3. In the “Project Interpreter” window, click the gear icon and select “Add”.
4. Select “Conda Environment” and then select “Existing environment”.
5. Browse where Anaconda is installed and select the desired Python version directory.
6. Name the interpreter and click “OK”.
7. The new Python interpreter will appear in the “Project Interpreter” window. Select it and click “OK” to apply the changes.

Note: If you don’t see the new interpreter, click the refresh button to update the list of available interpreters.

After following these steps, Pycharm will use the new Python version for the selected project. If you want to change the Python version for a different project, repeat these steps for that project.

Switching Python Versions in Pycharm Projects

Pycharm offers the flexibility to switch between different Python versions per-project. This means that you can use different versions of Python for different projects, allowing you to work with multiple versions of Python simultaneously.

Step 1: Open the Project Interpreter Settings

To switch the Python version for a specific project, open the project in Pycharm and go to File > Settings > Project > Project Interpreter.

Step 2: Select the Desired Python Interpreter

You will see a list of available Python interpreters in the Project Interpreter settings. Select the desired Python interpreter by clicking on it and then click on the OK button to confirm the change.

Bonus Tip: You can also add a new Python interpreter by clicking on the Add Interpreter button and selecting the desired Python version.

Once you have selected the desired Python interpreter, Pycharm will automatically update the project settings to use the new interpreter. You can now run your project using the newly selected version of Python.

Switching Python versions in Pycharm projects is a powerful feature that greatly enhances your development experience.

By using different versions of Python for different projects, you can take advantage of the latest features and libraries while still maintaining compatibility with older projects.

Modifying Python Version for Existing Pycharm Projects

If you have existing Pycharm projects created with a different Python version, you might need to modify the Python version for those projects. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Open the Pycharm project that needs to be modified.
2. Click on “File” in the top menu bar, then select “Settings”.
3. In the settings window, click “Project: ” and select “Project Interpreter”.
4. Click on the gear icon in the top right-hand corner, then select “Add”.
5. In the “Add Python Interpreter” window, select “Conda Environment” on the left-hand side.
6. Under “Existing environment”, select the desired Python version that you installed in Anaconda (if it’s not listed, you may need to click on the “…” button to locate it).
7. Click “OK” to close the “Add Python Interpreter” window and save the changes.

Now your Pycharm project is using the desired Python version. Remember that this change will only apply to the specific Pycharm project you modified. If you have multiple projects that need to be modified, you must repeat this process for each project.

Conclusion

In conclusion, changing the Python version in Pycharm can seem daunting, but with our step-by-step guide, it’s easy. We’ve covered all the necessary steps, from understanding Python version control in Pycharm to modifying Python versions for existing projects.

By following our instructions, you can ensure your projects are using the desired Python version and optimize your coding experience.

Take Control of Your Development Environment

Pycharm offers the flexibility and control you need to develop projects efficiently, and changing the Python version is an essential part of that process. We hope our guide has helped you take control of your development environment and make the most out of Pycharm’s features.

Always verify the current Python version before making any changes, and take advantage of Pycharm’s ability to switch Python versions on a per-project basis. By doing so, you can avoid compatibility issues and develop projects smoothly.

Thank you for reading our guide; we hope it has been helpful. Happy coding!

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