How to find the full path of the Python interpreter?

Last Updated : 28 May, 2024

Method 1: Using the `sys` Module (Windows, Ubuntu, macOS)

The sys module provides access to variables and functions that interact with the Python interpreter. The sys.executable attribute gives the absolute path of the Python interpreter.

Steps:

Import the sys module.
Print the path.

Example:

Python

import sys

# Print the full path of the Python interpreter
print(sys.executable)

Output

/usr/local/bin/python3

Explanation:

sys.executable returns a string representing the path to the Python interpreter binary.

Method 2: Using the `os` Module (Windows, Ubuntu, macOS)

The os module allows you to interact with the operating system. You can use it to get the real path of the Python interpreter.

Steps:

Import the os and sys modules.
Get and print the real path.

Example:

Python

import os
import sys

# Get the real path of the Python interpreter
interpreter_path = os.path.realpath(sys.executable)
print(interpreter_path)

Output

/usr/local/bin/python3.7

Explanation:

os.path.realpath() returns the canonical path, resolving any symbolic links.

Method 3: Using the `pathlib` Module (Windows, Ubuntu, macOS)

The pathlib module provides an object-oriented approach to handling filesystem paths.

Steps:

Import the pathlib and sys modules.
Get and print the path.

Example:

Python

from pathlib import Path
import sys

# Get the path of the Python interpreter
interpreter_path = Path(sys.executable)
print(interpreter_path)

Output

/usr/local/bin/python3

Explanation:

Path(sys.executable) converts the string path to a Path object, providing more functionality for path operations.

Method 4: Using the `which` Command (Ubuntu, macOS)

On Unix-based systems like Ubuntu and macOS, you can use the which command to find the path of the Python interpreter.

Steps:

Open Terminal.
Type the command.

Example:

which python
# or for Python 3
which python3

Explanation:

The which command returns the path of the executable that would run if the command was entered.

Method 5: Using the `where` Command (Windows)

On Windows, you can use the where command in the Command Prompt to find the path of the Python interpreter.

Steps:

Open Command Prompt.
Type the command.

Example:

where python

Explanation:

The where command displays the locations of executables that match the given name.

Method 6: Using the `Get-Command` Command (Windows PowerShell)

On Windows, you can use PowerShell to find the path of the Python interpreter using the Get-Command cmdlet.

Steps:

Open PowerShell.
Type the command.

Example:

Get-Command python
# or for Python 3
Get-Command python3