Add Python To Path Mac OS

If you want to use Python and its libraries from the command line or in your shell scripts, you need to add Python to the PATH environment variable.

The PATH variable is a list of directories that the operating system searches for executables. By adding Python to the PATH, you can use Python and its libraries from any location without having to specify the full path to the Python executable every time.

In this tutorial, we'll show you how to add Python to the PATH variable in macOS Terminal using zsh (z-shell). By the end of this tutorial, you'll be able to use Python from any location in your terminal.

Prerequisites to add python to path

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

A macOS computer with Terminal and zsh shell installed
Python installed on your computer.
If you don't have Python installed, you can download the latest version from the Python website and follow the installation instructions.

Step 1: Check the Current PATH Variable

Open Terminal and check the current value of the PATH variable by typing the following command: echo $PATH This will print the directories that are currently included in the PATH variable, separated by colons (:).

Step 2: Edit the .zshrc File (continued)

To update the PATH variable, you need to add the desired directories to the existing PATH value. You can do this by editing the .zshrc file, which is a configuration file that is executed every time you start a new Terminal session. To edit the .zshrc file, type the following command in Terminal: nano ~/.zshrc

This will open the .zshrc file in the nano text editor.

Step 3: Add the Python Directory to the PATH Variable

To add Python to the PATH variable, you need to add the following line to the .zshrc file, replacing /path/to/python with the actual path of the Python executable: export PATH="/path/to/python:$PATH" For example, if Python is installed in the /usr/local/bin directory, you would add the following line: export PATH="/usr/local/bin:$PATH" You can add multiple directories by separating them with colons (:).

Step 4: Save the .zshrc File

Save the .zshrc file by pressing CTRL+O and then Enter.

Step 5: Exit the nano Text Editor

Exit the nano text editor by pressing CTRL+X.

Step 6: Reload the .zshrc File

Reload the .zshrc file by typing the following command in Terminal: source ~/.zshrc This will apply the changes you made to the .zshrc file, and Python will be added to the PATH variable.

Step 7: Verify the Updated PATH Variable

To verify that the PATH variable has been updated, type the following command in Terminal: echo $PATH This will print the updated PATH variable, which should include the Python directory. All done! we have Added python to Path In this tutorial, we learned how to add Python to the PATH environment variable in macOS Terminal using zsh shell. By adding Python to the PATH, you can use Python and its libraries from any location in your terminal without having to specify the full path to the Python executable every time. This can save you time and make it easier to use Python in your workflow.