I'm new to programming and trying to pick the right Python version to install. I want to focus on data science and web scraping for my master's degree, and I'll be using PyCharm as my IDE. Also, I noticed a Windows Defender alert when trying to use Spyder - is that something to worry about, or could it just be a false positive?
5 Answers
Regarding the malware alert for Spyder, you could check it on VirusTotal to get a clearer picture. Generally, there’s not much risk involved with different Python versions, so you can install a few and see what works best for you. PyCharm is a good choice, but stick with the main version since the community edition is phasing out soon.
If you’re looking for stability, the version installed on the latest Ubuntu LTS (which is 3.12 at the moment) is a solid choice.
Honestly, since you’re just getting started, just pick any version that you like and jump into coding! You’ll figure it out as you go.
As for Spyder, there's typically no risk using it. Just keep an eye out for updates. And you're good with Python 3.13; libraries like scikit-learn and NumPy are all compatible and frequently updated. Also, don’t stress too much about IDEs; PyCharm or VSCode with Jupyter would work great for data science.
Most people suggest going with Python 3.13, as it should be compatible with nearly everything you’ll need. If a library isn’t updated to support the latest versions, it’s likely not being actively maintained, so that might be a red flag.
Right, if a library is lagging behind on updates, it’s usually best to look for alternatives that are more up-to-date. We had a few issues with libraries that didn’t keep pace.