How to Install Python 2 on Ubuntu 18.10: A Comprehensive Guide

Ubuntu 18.10 introduced a default version of Python 3, but developers often require Python 2 for certain projects. This guide will walk you through the process of manually installing Python 2 on Ubuntu 18.10, ensuring that you can switch between different Python versions as needed.

Introduction to Python 2 and Ubuntu 18.10

Python 2 and Python 3 are two major versions of the Python programming language, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. While Python 3 is more widely used and supported, some legacy systems and projects still require Python 2. Ubuntu 18.10, known as Ubuntu Cosmic Cuttlefish, shipped with Python 3 as the default version, but developers can easily install Python 2.

Installing Python 2 on Ubuntu 18.10

There are multiple ways to install Python 2 on Ubuntu 18.10, but the most straightforward method is to use the APT package manager. Follow the steps below to install Python 2:

Update your package list to ensure you get the latest information about available packages:

Terminal Command:

sudo apt update

Install Python 2 using the apt-get package manager:

Terminal Command:

sudo apt-get install python2

Alternative Methods

Alternatively, you can use the pip package manager to install Python 2:

First, ensure you have pip installed:

Terminal Command:

sudo apt-get install python-pip

Install Python 2 using pip:

Terminal Command:

sudo pip install python2

Setting Python 2 as the Default Version

Once Python 2 is installed, you may want to set it as your default Python interpreter. You can do this by creating a symbolic link that points to the Python 2 executable:

Set Python 2 as the default Python interpreter:

Terminal Command:

sudo ln -sf /usr/bin/python2 /usr/bin/python

Conclusion

Installing Python 2 on Ubuntu 18.10 is a simple and straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to successfully install Python 2 and set it as your default Python version. Whether you need Python 2 for legacy code, troubleshooting, or specific projects, this guide will help you get the job done.