how to install python on Chromebook: 2023 Updated Guide

While Chromebooks are primarily designed for web browsing and basic productivity tasks, they are good enough for python programming.

Python is a popular and versatile language that is widely used for a variety of purposes, including web development, data analysis, and machine learning.

Installing Python on a Chromebook can be useful for various reasons. One of the primary motivations is education. Python is a popular and beginner-friendly programming language, widely used in educational settings. If you’re a student or teacher, having Python on your Chromebook enables you to learn or teach programming more efficiently.

Another advantage is that Chromebooks are lightweight and affordable, making them attractive for developers. Installing Python allows you to run, develop, and test your code directly on your Chromebook without needing a separate machine. Python is also known for its simplicity and versatility in automating tasks and writing scripts. By installing Python on your Chromebook, you can create and run custom scripts for a variety of purposes, like file management or data processing.

Compatibility with Linux is another reason to install Python on a Chromebook. Chrome OS is based on the Linux kernel, which means it shares similarities with Linux distributions. Installing Python on a Chromebook allows you to use many Linux-compatible Python libraries and tools. This compatibility also extends to Jupyter Notebooks, a popular tool among data scientists, researchers, and educators for creating interactive documents containing live code, equations, visualizations, and explanatory text. With Python installed, you can run Jupyter Notebooks on your Chromebook.

Speaking about the ways, there are basically 3 ways to install Python on a Chromebook, including using Crouton, the Linux Container, and cloud-based IDEs. Which one is the best one depends on your needs and preference as each offers a set of pros and cons.

Here is a brief explanation of the methods.

• Crouton is the best option for those who want more control over the environment and run Linux software along with ChromeOS.
• Linux container is the best option for those who want to use ChromeOS and Linux simultaneously.
• Cloud-based IDEs are the best option for those who want to write code from anywhere without installing software on their device.

Ways to Install Python on Chromebook

Method.1 Using Crouton Script

When to follow this method?

If have an old Chromebook, the Linux Beta feature may not be there. So by following this method you can get the Linux Terminal alongside the ChromeOS. Python on your system can be installed there.

How does this method work?

Crouton (Chromium OS Universal Chroot Environment) is a script that allows you to install Linux distributions alongside Chrome OS using a chroot environment. This enables you to run Linux applications and software, including Python, without dual-booting or replacing Chrome OS. Here’s a detailed guide on replacing ChromeOS with Linux.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on using Crouton to install a Linux distribution and then install Python on your Chromebook:

1. Enable Developer Mode: Note that enabling Developer Mode will powerwash (factory reset) your Chromebook, so make sure to back up your important data before proceeding. a. Turn off your Chromebook. b. Press and hold the ‘ESC’ + ‘Refresh’ (circular arrow) keys, and press the ‘Power’ button. c. When the recovery screen appears, press ‘Ctrl’ + ‘D’. d. Press ‘Enter’ to enable Developer Mode. The Chromebook will reboot and reset itself.
2. Download Crouton: a. Open Chrome browser and go to the Crouton GitHub page: https://github.com/dnschneid/crouton b. Click the “goo.gl” link in the README to download the latest version of the Crouton script.
3. Open the Terminal: a. Press ‘Ctrl’ + ‘Alt’ + ‘T’ to open the terminal (Crosh shell) in Chrome OS.
4. Install a Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu with the Xfce desktop environment):
   a. Type shell and press ‘Enter’ to get a full Bash shell.
   b. Type sudo sh ~/Downloads/crouton -t xfce and press ‘Enter’. The installation process will begin. This may take a while
   c. Once the installation is complete, you’ll be prompted to set a username and password for the new Linux environment. Follow the on-screen instructions to do so.
5. Enter the Linux environment: a. In the terminal, type sudo startxfce4 and press ‘Enter’ to start the Xfce desktop environment. Your screen will switch to the Ubuntu Xfce environment.
6. Install Python: a. Open the Terminal within the Linux environment (not the Chrome OS terminal). b. Update package lists and upgrade packages by typing the following commands and pressing ‘Enter’ after each:
   sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
   c. To install Python 3, type sudo apt install python3 and press ‘Enter’. To install Python 2, type sudo apt install python2 and press ‘Enter’. It’s recommended to use Python 3 as Python 2 is no longer actively maintained.
7. Verify Python installation: a. After installation, you can check the installed Python version by typing python3 --version (for Python 3) or python2 --version (for Python 2) in the terminal and pressing ‘Enter’.
8. Optionally, you can also install a Python package manager like pip: a. To install pip for Python 3, type sudo apt install python3-pip and press ‘Enter’. For Python 2, type sudo apt install python-pip and press ‘Enter’.

Using the Linux Container

Crostini is the codename for the “Linux (Beta)” feature on Chrome OS, which allows you to run a Linux environment inside a container on your Chromebook. This feature leverages virtualization and container technology to create a sandboxed environment for running Linux applications without affecting the host Chrome OS system.

When to follow this method?

Use Crostini to install Python on a Chromebook when you are looking for a simple, secure, and officially supported method with seamless integration between Chrome OS and the Linux environment. Choose Crostini if your Chromebook is compatible with the Linux (Beta) feature, as it offers easier setup, better security, and smoother integration compared to alternative solutions like Crouton.

How does this method work?

The latest Chromebooks sports a “Linux Container.” A feature built into Chrome OS that allows you to run Linux applications within a sandboxed environment. With the help of this functionality, you can install Python and other Linux-based software on your Chromebook without having to give up the stability and security of Chrome OS.

To install Python using the Linux Container, you will need to enable the feature in your Chromebook’s settings. Once enabled, you can use the Terminal app to install Python and other Linux-based software.

Using the Linux container (Crostini) is an easy way to install and run Python on your Chromebook without requiring Developer Mode.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Enable Linux (Beta) on your Chromebook: a. Make sure your Chromebook is updated to the latest version of Chrome OS. b. Click on the system tray (bottom-right corner) to open the status area. c. Click on the Settings (gear) icon to open the Settings app. d. Scroll down and click on “Advanced” to expand more options. e. Scroll further down to the “Linux (Beta)” section and click “Turn On.” f. In the pop-up window, click “Install” to start the installation process. This will download the necessary files and set up a Linux container on your Chromebook. This process might take some time.
2. Open the Linux Terminal: a. After the installation is complete, you’ll see a Terminal icon in your app launcher. Click on it to open the Linux Terminal.
3. Update package lists and upgrade packages: a. Type the following commands in the terminal and press ‘Enter’ after each:sqlCopy codesudo apt update sudo apt upgrade
4. Install Python: a. Python 3 is usually pre-installed on the Linux container. You can check the installed Python version by typing python3 --version and pressing ‘Enter’. b. If Python 3 is not pre-installed or you want to install a different version, type sudo apt install python3 and press ‘Enter’.
5. Optionally, you can also install a Python package manager like pip: a. To install pip for Python 3, type sudo apt install python3-pip and press ‘Enter’.

Using Cloud-Based IDEs

Using a cloud-based IDE for Python on a Chromebook can be a good choice for several reasons. Cloud-based IDEs are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection and require no local installation, making them ideal for portable development. They also offer collaboration features, scalability, and enhanced security, which can be particularly useful for teams working on sensitive projects. Cloud-based IDEs are often more secure than traditional desktop-based IDEs and can come with built-in security features. Overall, a cloud-based IDE for Python on a Chromebook can offer a range of features and benefits that traditional desktop-based IDEs cannot.

How does this method work?

Using a cloud-based Integrated Development Environment (IDE) on your Chromebook’s web browser. You can write, run, and debug and build python projects without having a need for an IDE.

Here are a few popular cloud-based IDEs that support Python:

1. Google Colab: Google Colab is a free Jupyter notebook environment that allows you to write and execute Python code in your browser. It comes with pre-installed libraries and GPU support.
2. Repl.it: Repl.it is a cloud-based IDE that supports multiple languages including Python. It allows you to write, run and debug your code in the browser. It also offers a variety of features like code collaboration and a library of pre-built templates.
3. Kaggle Kernels: Kaggle is a platform for data science competitions. They have a feature called Kaggle Kernels where you can write and run python code in a Jupyter notebook environment.
4. AWS Cloud9: AWS Cloud9 is a cloud-based integrated development environment (IDE) that lets you write, run, and debug your code with just a browser. It comes with a built-in terminal and a code editor that supports Python and other languages. AWS Cloud9 also offers collaboration features, allowing multiple developers to work on the same codebase simultaneously.
5. PythonAnywhere: PythonAnywhere is a cloud-based IDE for Python that lets you code, test, and deploy your applications. It offers a web-based editor with syntax highlighting, code completion, and other features. PythonAnywhere also comes with pre-installed libraries and tools, making it easy to get started with Python development.
6. Codeanywhere: Codeanywhere is a cloud-based IDE that supports Python and other programming languages. It offers a web-based editor with syntax highlighting, code completion, and Git integration. Codeanywhere also comes with a terminal emulator, allowing you to run command-line tools and scripts.
7. Koding: Koding is a cloud-based development environment that supports Python and other languages. It offers a web-based IDE with syntax highlighting, code completion, and other features. Koding also comes with a built-in terminal and supports Git integration.
8. Gitpod: Gitpod is a cloud-based IDE that supports Python and other languages. It offers a web-based editor with code completion, debugging, and other features. Gitpod also comes with a built-in terminal and supports Git integration.

Written by Rabiya Younas

Rabiya is a passionate content writer and she loves to write. She is dedicated to her work and always ready to learn new things as a lifelong learner. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.