Python

Endless Lifecycle Support (ELS) for Python from TuxCare provides security fixes for Python versions that have reached their end-of-life. This allows you to continue running your server vulnerability-free.

About ALT-Python

alt-python is a component provided by TuxCare designed for managing Python versions on servers and enabling users to run multiple Python versions simultaneously.

Here are the key features and characteristics of alt-python:

Multiple Python Versions - alt-python allows the installation and usage of various Python versions on a single server. This enables users to select the Python version that best suits their applications.
User Segmentation - alt-python allows administrators to provide different Python versions for different users or applications. Each user can choose the Python version that suits their project.
Enhanced Compatibility - alt-python is designed to ensure maximum compatibility with various Python applications and frameworks. This includes optimizations and changes to make it compatible with a wide range of Python applications.
Updates and Support - TuxCare provides regular updates for alt-python, including bug fixes, performance improvements, and updates for new Python versions. This helps ensure the security and currency of Python usage.
Direct Version Access - alt-python allows switching between versions, users can easily manage which Python version is active in their environment.

alt-python provides a more flexible and convenient environment for working with different Python versions on a single server, which is particularly useful in development and production environments where multiple applications have varying requirements for Python versions.

Supported OS and Python versions

Operating Systems	Package Type	OS Version	Python versions
EL 7 (CentOS, CloudLinux, Oracle Linux, etc.)	RPM	7.x	2.7, 3.6
EL 8 (CentOS, CentOS Stream, CloudLinux, Oracle Linux, etc.)	RPM	8.x	2.7, 3.6
EL 9 (AlmaLinux, CentOS, CloudLinux, Oracle Linux, etc.)	RPM	9.x	2.7, 3.6
EL 10 (AlmaLinux, CloudLinux, Oracle Linux, etc.)	RPM	10.x	2.7, 3.6
Ubuntu	DEB	16.04, 18.04, 20.04, 22.04, 24.04	2.7, 3.6
Debian	DEB	10, 11	2.7, 3.6
Debian	DEB	12, 13	2.7, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9

Supported architecture: x86_64 (64-bit)

Other versions and architectures available upon request. Contact sales@tuxcare.com for more information.

Installation

Prerequisites

A valid TuxCare ELS license key — contact sales@tuxcare.com to obtain one
Root or sudo access to the server

Download the installer script

wget https://repo.alt.tuxcare.com/alt-python-els/install-els-alt-python-rpm-repo.sh

Run the installer script with your license key
The script registers the server with CLN, adds the PGP key and repository.
```
sh install-els-alt-python-rpm-repo.sh --license-key XXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX
```
Install a Python version
For RPM-based systems, enable the CodeReady Builder (CRB) repository which contains the gdbm package:
```
yum install alt-python36 --enablerepo crb
```

Verify the installation

alt-python versions are installed alongside the system default. To use a specific version:

$ /opt/alt/python36/bin/python3.6
Python 3.6.15 (default, Apr 10 2024, 00:00:00) 
[GCC 11.5.0 20240719 (Red Hat 11.5.0-5)] on linux
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>> print("Hello, World!")
Hello, World!