venv tutorial wrong/confusing about python version used

[deuberger]

Documentation

From https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/venv.html:

venv will usually install the most recent version of Python that you have available. If you have multiple versions of Python on your system, you can select a specific Python version by running python3 or whichever version you want.

https://docs.python.org/3/library/venv.html#module-venv though makes it clear that the venv will use the Python installation from which the command was run.

So I believe it should be updated to:

venv will install the Python version from which the command was run. If you have multiple versions of Python on your system, you can select a specific Python version by running python3 or whichever version you want.

Linked PRs

• gh-119078: Clarify venv tutorial #119129
• [3.12] gh-119078: Clarify venv tutorial (GH-119129) #119141
• [3.13] gh-119078: Clarify venv tutorial (GH-119129) #119142

[nineteendo]

If you have multiple versions of Python on your system, you can select a specific Python version by running python3 or whichever version you want.

Isn't this a bit redundant then?

[deuberger]

@nineteendo I wondered about that and I think yes it is partially redundant, but not entirely. How about:

venv will install the Python version from which the command was run. For instance, running python3.8 will install version 3.8 specifically whereas running just python or python3 might install any number of versions. See the Python Setup and Usage documentation for additional details.

I'd be fine reducing it to just the first sentence as well, but new users may find the additional information helpful.

[nineteendo]

How about mentioning python -V? As it tells you which version will be installed. Or python --version

[anushatomar13]

Hi @nineteendo ,
Have you reached a final conclusion on this issue yet?
If yes, can I take up this issue and start working on it?

[nineteendo]

I think this should be clear enough:

venv will install the Python version shown for --version. For instance, excuting the command with python3.8 will install version 3.8.

[deuberger]

Sorry, for the slow response. I thought of adding --version too, but thought it might be too much with what I had before. I like the suggestion from @nineteendo, but also propose the below slightly more verbose option that might add a little more clarity:

venv will install the Python version from which the command was run (as reported by the --version option). For instance, excuting the command with python3.8 will install version 3.8.

[nineteendo]

Looks good, feel free to create a pull request.

[nineteendo]

Although, it might be more relevant to mention 3.12 or 3.13?