Python is a versatile programming language that can be used for a wide range of tasks, such as web development, data analysis, and machine learning. However, in order to take full advantage of its capabilities and ensure optimal performance, it’s important to have the right hardware and software specifications.
Highlights–
- A modern computer with a multi-core processor is recommended
- A minimum of 8GB of RAM is necessary for smooth performance
- A 64-bit version of Python is recommended for the best performance
- A powerful GPU may be necessary for heavy computations or machine-learning tasks
- For web development, a web server and a database server may be required.
If you’re just learning the python programming, you don’t really need a powerful PC to run it. But remember that having a strong PC will help you get the job done sooner rather than later when building python projects.
It is therefore impossible to give a simple answer that fits all, as powerful PCs are better, but low-end PCs are also capable of running Python as long as they meet its minimum requirements.
Below I have outlined the system requirements or hardware requirements that you need for running the latest Python version 3.9.
Python Hardware Requirments
Processor
The Python Software Foundation does not specify a specific processor type or model in their system requirements. However, in general, a modern processor such as Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 would be sufficient for running Python. These processors are multi-core, which means they have multiple processing units that can work simultaneously, providing the necessary power to run Python efficiently.
The more cores and the faster the clock speed of the processor, the better the performance will be, especially when running heavy computations or machine learning tasks. So, if you are planning on using Python for more demanding tasks, then it would be ideal to have a more recent and powerful processor, like i7.
RAM
RAM is another important hardware consideration. Python is a memory-intensive language and therefore, having a sufficient amount of RAM is crucial for smooth performance. A minimum of 8GB is generally recommended, but more may be needed for larger or more complex projects.
GPU
In some cases, a powerful GPU may also be necessary. This is particularly true when working with deep learning or other machine learning tasks that require large amounts of data to be processed quickly. A GPU with CUDA support is recommended, as it allows Python to take full advantage of the GPU’s parallel processing capabilities.
Hard disk
In general, the amount of disk space required for running Python will depend on the specific tasks and workloads you plan to use it for, as well as the packages and dependencies you have installed.
For basic usage and small projects, a hard disk with a few hundred GB of storage is enough. However, for bigger tasks such as machine learning or data analysis, get a more extensive hard disk with a few TB to store large files.
It’s also worth noting that disk performance is also important, especially when working with large data files or when running computationally intensive tasks. An SSD drive is recommended as it has faster read and write speeds compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDD).
See our best GPU for programming.
Python system requirements
Operating system
The operating system is also an important software consideration when running Python. Python is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux so which one of these OS(s) is best suited for your needs depends on you. However, use a 64-bit version of Python for the best performance, as it can take full advantage of the larger memory space available on 64-bit systems.
Web server
When using Python for web development, a web server such as Apache or Nginx may be required. These servers are responsible for handling incoming HTTP requests and serving the appropriate response.
Database
A database server such as MySQL or PostgreSQL may also be necessary when using Python for web development or data analysis. These servers are responsible for storing and managing large amounts of data and provide Python with the necessary tools to access and manipulate that data.
Python Official Requirements
To create some Intermediate python projects, it’s best to know the basic python 3.8.3 system requirements right off the bat.
Minimum Requirements
- Processors: Intel® Core™ i3 or AMD Ryzen 3250u CPU
- Operating System: Windows 7, Linux 64-bit RHEL or Mac OS X 10.11 & up
- RAM: 1GB of on-board system memory
- Disk Space: 1-2GB of Hard Drive space
Recommended System Requirements
- Processors: Any two or higher core processor including Intel® Core™ i5 @2.60GHz, new-gen Xeon® processor @2.30 GHz, or AMD Ryzen 5 CPUs running at higher frequency
- RAM: 4GB of system memory from any decent manufacturer
- Disk space: 2-3GB of SEAGATE Hard Drive
- Operating System: Windows 10 Official, Mac OS 10.12.6 (and up), or Linux/Ubuntu 16.10+
