FAQ: Python Problems

Which versions of python are installed at LRZ?

We provide several versions of python at LRZ which have different levels of customization by the user:

OS installed python

/usr/bin/python: this is the version of python that comes preinstalled by the OS. It is rather old, but stable. DON'T USE!

LRZ python module

python via the module system gives you only outdated version python2.7

I need a certain version of python (e.g. 3.8) and want additional modules (e.g.numpy). How can I install them for my user account?

In order to give our users the maximum stability, we do not accept requests for installation of addidtional python modules systems wide. Howver, you can use the conda package manager to install a python version which suits your needs and provides all the libraries that you need.

For example, you can download the latest numpy via conda. For that you have to generate your own environment by

$ module load anaconda3
$ conda create -n py38 python=3.8
$ source activate py38

# you can install numpy or other libraries in python via conda (google for conda install whatever)

(py38) $ conda install -c numpy
(py38) $ python
Python 3.8.0 (default, Nov 6 2019, 21:49:08)
[GCC 7.3.0] :: Anaconda, Inc. on linux
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.

>>> import numpy