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Setting up Path and Environment Variables

Here is a clear, complete, and exam-ready explanation of Setting up PATH and Environment Variables for Python, suitable for BCA, MCA, B.Tech, and competitive exams.

Setting up PATH and Environment Variables

To run Python from any directory in the command prompt (or terminal), we need to set up the PATH environment variable.
This allows the operating system to locate Python easily without specifying its full installation path.

1. What is PATH?

PATH is a system environment variable that stores a list of directory locations where executables (programs) are located.

If Python’s installation folder is added to PATH:

  • You can run python or pip from any location in the command prompt.
  • No need to type the full path like:
    C:\Users\ABC\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python311\python.exe

2. Why is Setting PATH Important?

Without setting PATH:

  • python command will NOT work.
  • System will show: 'python' is not recognized as an internal or external command
  • You must always navigate to the installation directory to run Python.

With PATH correctly set:

  • You can run Python from anywhere.
  • pip works from any directory.
  • IDEs and tools detect Python automatically.

3. Setting up PATH Automatically during Installation (Windows)

When installing Python on Windows, the easiest method is:

Check the box:

☑ Add Python to PATH

This automatically sets:

  • Path to python.exe
  • Path to pip.exe
  • Environment variable PYTHONPATH

Recommended for beginners.

4. Setting up PATH Manually (Windows)

Follow these steps if the PATH was not set during installation:

Step 1: Find Python Installation Directory

Typical installation paths:

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python312\

Inside this folder you will find:

  • python.exe
  • Scripts\ (contains pip.exe)

Step 2: Open Environment Variables Settings

  1. Right-click This PC → Properties.
  2. Click Advanced system settings.
  3. Click Environment Variables.

Step 3: Edit the PATH Variable

In the System Variables section:

  1. Select Path → Click Edit.
  2. Click New.
  3. Add the following two paths:

Example:

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python312\
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python312\Scripts\

Step 4: Save and Close

Click:

  • OK → OK → OK
    Restart Command Prompt (if open).

Step 5: Verify the PATH

Open Command Prompt and type:

python --version
pip --version

If Python is in PATH correctly, versions will display.

5. Setting up PATH on macOS

macOS usually installs Python 3 with the command python3.

To check:

python3 --version

To set the PATH manually:

Step 1: Find Python Wherabouts

Usually installed in:

/Library/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/3.xx/bin

Step 2: Edit Shell Configuration

Open the terminal and type:

For zsh (latest macOS versions):

nano ~/.zshrc

For bash:

nano ~/.bash_profile

Step 3: Add the path

Example:

export PATH="/Library/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/3.12/bin:$PATH"

Step 4: Save and Apply

source ~/.zshrc

Check:

python3 --version

6. Setting PATH on Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

Python comes preinstalled on Linux.

To verify:

python3 --version

If you installed a different version manually, add it to PATH:

Step 1: Open bash profile

nano ~/.bashrc

Step 2: Add path

export PATH="/usr/local/bin/python3.12:$PATH"

Step 3: Apply changes

source ~/.bashrc

7. What is PYTHONPATH?

PYTHONPATH is another environment variable used to tell Python where to look for modules and packages.

You modify PYTHONPATH when:

  • Using custom modules not placed in default directories
  • Working on advanced projects

Example:

PYTHONPATH = C:\myprojects\mymodules\

Not required for beginners.

8. PATH vs PYTHONPATH (Difference)

PATHPYTHONPATH
Used by OSUsed by Python interpreter
Helps run python/pip commandsHelps import modules
Points to python.exePoints to module directories

9. Summary

  • PATH allows system-wide access to Python and pip.
  • Set PATH automatically by checking Add Python to PATH.
  • You can also configure it manually via Environment Variables.
  • PYTHONPATH is used only for custom module locations.