ubuntu Error : update-alternatives: --install needs <link> <name> <path> <priority>

[Sir-Osama]

I'm tryin to update python to the latest version I installed python3.9 and I need to add the old version and the new version to 'alternatives' so typed :
sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/python3 python3 /usr/bin/python3.8
and I get this error :
update-alternatives: --install needs <link> <name> <path> <priority>
What should I do ??

[rehanhaider]

Hey @Sir-Osama , notice the 1 & 2 at the end of the lines. you need to keep them while executing these.

sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/python3 python3 /usr/bin/python3.6 1
sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/python3 python3 /usr/bin/python3.9 2

After that run the below and choose the selection that you want as default.

sudo update-alternatives --config python3

Let me know if this solves your issue and please star the repository if this was helpful 🙂

[Sir-Osama]

this exactly what i did the only difference that I typed pyhon3.8 instade of python3.6 which is my current version of python on my device
and it steal give me the same Error :
update-alternatives: --install needs <link> <name> <path> <priority>

[rehanhaider]

Can you share screenshots please. Of the command you entered and the error message.

Also, share the output of

python --version

[Sir-Osama]

Sure , :

[rehanhaider]

Your command is wrong. Where is the  "1" at the end?. Look at the example I provided above, it has a 1 at the end of the command that signifies the priority.

…

On 11 Oct 2021, 9:09 PM +0530, Sir-Osama ***@***.***>, wrote: Sure , here you is : —You are receiving this because you commented.Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub, or unsubscribe.

[Sir-Osama]

Oh sorry I thought it's only for clarification :)
and thank you sir for helping me , now I'm going to complete the process .
many thanks!

[rehanhaider]

I'm glad it helped. Star the repo please :)

[Sir-Osama]

Yeah I already did, but now i had a new problem actually this one is a big problem do I nead to open a new discussion for it?

[rehanhaider]

Either is fine. But new thread is better for future reference

…

On 11 Oct 2021, 11:44 PM +0530, Sir-Osama ***@***.***>, wrote: Yeah I already did, but now i had a new problem actually this one is a big problem do I nead to open a new discussion for it? —You are receiving this because you commented.Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub, or unsubscribe.

[K2AAE]

Thanks for the guide and the 1,2 pointer. Just wish linux/python would figure out the update issues, I shouldn't have to stop and spend hours tracking down how to upgrade.

[rehanhaider]

True. Official repository takes almost a year to update the version, even today v3.10 is not available by default.