The Python language is in constant development. A new version is released annually in October to great fanfare. Before these stable releases, you can preview the new features by installing a pre-release of Python.
Volunteers worldwide work on developing Python by updating the documentation, reporting issues, suggesting and discussing improvements, fixing bugs, and implementing new features. You can join this work and contribute to the efforts.
The best way to start getting involved in the development of Python is to install and test early versions of the next release, whether it’s in the alpha, beta, or release candidate phase. Pablo Galindo Salgado, the release manager for Python 3.10 and 3.11, put it succinctly:
In summary: no matter who you are or what you do. Test the beta releases! (Source)
Python is essential to many people’s workflows and companies’ infrastructures. Therefore, the community must thoroughly test new Python versions before the stable release. You use Python differently from anyone else and may be able to reveal a bug that no one else has discovered. Installing a pre-release version of Python and playing with it is valuable to the ecosystem. Plus, it’s fun!
You’re excited to install an early version of Python and try out the latest features. One question remains: How can you install a pre-release version of Python?
In this tutorial, you’ll learn about some options for getting your hands on an early version of Python and previewing its features.
Free Download:Click here to download free sample code that demonstrates some of the new features of Python 3.11.
In Short: Use pyenv to Manage Several Versions of Python, Including the Latest Pre-Release
You shouldn’t use a pre-release version of Python as the only Python on your computer. By their nature, pre-releases may be unstable or have bugs that can interfere with your day-to-day Python work. You should therefore install the pre-release version side by side with your regular Python.
One great tool for installing and managing several versions of Python on your computer is pyenv.
With pyenv, you can install many Python versions on your computer and switch between them with a simple command.
You can even set up project-specific Python versions that are automatically invoked.
If you’re not already using pyenv, then you first need to install it.
How you install pyenv depends on your operating system.
Choose your platform with the switcher below:
If you want an in-depth tutorial on how to use pyenv, then check out Managing Multiple Python Versions With pyenv.
Read the full article at https://realpython.com/python-pre-release/ »
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