Install PyPy3 On Ubuntu: A Beginner's Guide

Nov 17, 2025 by Alex Johnson 44 views

Hey there, fellow coding enthusiasts! If you're just starting out or even if you're a seasoned developer, you've probably heard about PyPy3. It's an alternative implementation of Python that's known for its speed. In this article, we'll dive into how to install PyPy3 on Ubuntu, making it super easy to understand, especially for those who are new to the game. No jargon, just clear instructions to get you up and running in no time. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

What is PyPy3 and Why Should You Care?

Before we jump into the installation process, let's quickly understand what PyPy3 is and why it's worth your time. Python is a fantastic language, but its standard implementation (CPython) can sometimes be a bit slow, especially when dealing with complex tasks. This is where PyPy3 comes into play. PyPy3 is designed to be a faster Python interpreter. It uses a just-in-time (JIT) compiler, which means it translates your Python code into machine code while the program is running, potentially leading to significant performance gains. Think of it like a turbocharger for your Python code! So, if you're working on projects where speed matters – such as data analysis, web development, or scientific computing – PyPy3 could be a game-changer.

The Benefits of Using PyPy3

Speed Boost: As mentioned, the main advantage is the increased speed. Your code can run much faster, saving you valuable time.
Compatibility: PyPy3 aims to be highly compatible with Python 3, so most of your existing Python 3 code should work without any modifications.
Ease of Use: Installing and using PyPy3 is straightforward, as you'll see in the following sections.
JIT Compilation: The JIT compiler optimizes your code on the fly, leading to improved performance. This is the heart of PyPy3's magic. The JIT compiler analyzes the code while it's running and translates the most frequently executed parts of the code into machine code, which the computer can execute directly. This reduces the need for the interpreter to parse and execute the code repeatedly, and can significantly speed up the execution. This dynamic optimization is a key reason why PyPy3 can outperform CPython in many scenarios.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Ubuntu

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and install PyPy3 on your Ubuntu system. Don't worry, it's a breeze! We'll cover two primary methods: using the apt package manager and using a pre-built binary. Let's go through the step by step to install PyPy3 on your Ubuntu system. You can choose either of these methods based on your preference and system setup. Remember to open your terminal, as we'll be using it extensively.

Method 1: Using the apt Package Manager

This is the simplest and recommended method for most users. It uses the package manager built into Ubuntu, making the installation process easy. The steps are as follows:

Update Your System: First things first, ensure your system is up-to-date. Open your terminal and run the following command. This will update the package lists and upgrade any existing packages.
```
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
```
Install PyPy3: Now, install PyPy3 using the apt package manager. This command will fetch and install PyPy3 and its dependencies.
```
sudo apt install pypy3
```
Verify the Installation: After the installation is complete, verify that PyPy3 is installed correctly. Run the following command to check the version. If you see the version number, congratulations, you've successfully installed PyPy3!
```
pypy3 --version
```
The output should show you the version of PyPy3 installed, such as "Python 3.9.18 (70a7206, Oct 20 2024, 18:35:55)".

Method 2: Installing from a Pre-built Binary

If you prefer, or if you encounter issues with the apt method, you can install PyPy3 from a pre-built binary. This method gives you more control over the installation location and can be useful in certain scenarios. Here's how:

Download the Binary: Visit the official PyPy download page (search for “PyPy download”) and download the pre-built binary for Linux. Choose the version that matches your system architecture (usually x86_64 for 64-bit systems).
Extract the Archive: Once the download is complete, extract the archive to your desired location. For example, you can extract it to your home directory or /opt/. Use the following command in your terminal, replacing <path_to_downloaded_file> with the actual path to the downloaded file. Make sure to replace <destination_directory> with the directory where you want to extract the files.
```
tar -xvf <path_to_downloaded_file> -C <destination_directory>
```
Add PyPy3 to Your PATH: To run PyPy3 from anywhere in your terminal, you need to add its directory to your PATH environment variable. This tells the system where to find the pypy3 executable. Open your .bashrc or .zshrc file (depending on your shell) using a text editor like nano or vim. Add the following line to the end of the file, replacing <path_to_pypy3_directory> with the actual path to your PyPy3 directory. For instance, if you extracted PyPy3 to /opt/pypy3, the line would be: export PATH="/opt/pypy3/bin:$PATH.
```
export PATH="<path_to_pypy3_directory>/bin:$PATH"
```
Source the .bashrc or .zshrc File: After saving the file, source it to apply the changes to your current terminal session.
```
source ~/.bashrc  # or source ~/.zshrc if you use Zsh
```
Verify the Installation: Finally, verify that PyPy3 is installed correctly by running the version command.
```
pypy3 --version
```
If everything is set up correctly, the terminal should display the PyPy3 version information.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Let's address some common issues you might encounter during the installation process and how to fix them. Troubleshooting is a crucial skill in software development. No matter how meticulously you follow instructions, sometimes things don't go as planned. Here are some of the common issues and the steps to solve them.

Issue 1: "pypy3: command not found"

This usually means that PyPy3 is not in your system's PATH. Double-check the steps for adding PyPy3 to your PATH, especially when using the pre-built binary method. Make sure you have the correct path to the pypy3 executable in your .bashrc or .zshrc file, and that you've sourced the file after making the changes. If you are using the apt method, you can try to reinstall PyPy3 or reboot your system and try again.

Issue 2: Dependency Errors

If you face dependency errors during installation using apt, try running the following command to fix broken packages and then retry the installation.

 sudo apt --fix-broken install

Also, make sure your system's package lists are up-to-date by running sudo apt update before installing PyPy3.

Issue 3: Permissions Issues

If you encounter permission-related errors, make sure you have the necessary permissions to install software. You might need to use sudo before your commands, especially when using the apt method or when installing to system directories.

Running Your First PyPy3 Program

Now that PyPy3 is successfully installed, let's run a simple Python script to see it in action. Open your favorite text editor and create a new file, for example, hello.py. Add the following code, which simply prints "Hello, PyPy3!":

print("Hello, PyPy3!")

Save the file, then open your terminal. Navigate to the directory where you saved hello.py and run the script using PyPy3:

 pypy3 hello.py

You should see "Hello, PyPy3!" printed in your terminal. Congratulations, you've successfully run your first PyPy3 program!

Uninstalling PyPy3

If you ever need to uninstall PyPy3, here’s how. Removing software is just as important as installing it. Whether you're making space on your system, trying a different version of PyPy3, or no longer need the interpreter, knowing how to uninstall it properly is useful.

Uninstalling Using apt

If you installed PyPy3 using the apt package manager, uninstalling it is straightforward. In your terminal, run the following command:

 sudo apt remove pypy3

This will remove the PyPy3 packages from your system. You might also want to remove any unnecessary dependencies with the following command:

 sudo apt autoremove

Uninstalling from a Pre-built Binary

If you installed PyPy3 from a pre-built binary, the uninstallation process is a bit different. You will need to manually remove the files and directories related to the installation. First, remove the PyPy3 directory where you extracted the binary. For example, if you extracted it to /opt/pypy3, you would run:

 sudo rm -rf /opt/pypy3

Next, remove the entry you added to your PATH in your .bashrc or .zshrc file. Open the file and delete the line that included the PyPy3 directory in your PATH. For example, remove or comment out the line export PATH="/opt/pypy3/bin:$PATH". Then, source your .bashrc or .zshrc file to apply the changes. By doing this, PyPy3 will be fully removed.

Conclusion: Embracing the Speed of PyPy3

There you have it! You've learned how to install PyPy3 on Ubuntu, troubleshoot common issues, and run your first PyPy3 program. PyPy3 can significantly boost the performance of your Python applications. So, whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, exploring PyPy3 is a great way to enhance your coding skills and optimize your projects. Go ahead, experiment, and enjoy the speed boost! Happy coding!

For more in-depth information and updates, you can always refer to the official PyPy documentation. The official documentation is a treasure trove of information, including detailed explanations, tutorials, and examples. It's the best resource for staying up to date with the latest features and changes in PyPy3. You can find it here.