What Is the Recommended Python Version for Apache Superset Development?

Apache Superset does not enforce a specific Python version in its source code, so developers should use a recent stable Python 3 release (3.10 or newer) for optimal compatibility.

When setting up a development environment for Apache Superset, choosing the right Python version ensures compatibility with modern tooling and dependencies. While the superset-sh/superset repository does not explicitly pin a Python runtime requirement in its configuration files, analyzing the codebase reveals the recommended approach for developers working with this specific repository.

Why the Repository Does Not Specify a Python Version

Unlike many Python projects that declare python_requires in pyproject.toml or include version constraints in requirements.txt, the Superset repository analyzed here contains no such specifications. The source code scan of files including README.md, CONTRIBUTING.md, and configuration examples found no explicit Python version requirements or runtime constraints.

Python References in the Codebase

The only references to Python in the repository appear in contexts unrelated to runtime requirements:

• apps/desktop/package.json includes @codemirror/lang-python as a JavaScript dependency for syntax highlighting in the code editor interface
• Various terminal link parsing utilities reference Python only for language detection and error message formatting in the UI
• The bun.lock file contains JavaScript dependencies with no Python runtime constraints

Recommended Python Version for Development

Since the repository does not enforce a specific version, developers should use a recent stable Python 3 release. Based on modern tooling compatibility and common practices in the Apache Superset ecosystem, Python 3.10, 3.11, or 3.12 are recommended for new development environments.

Verifying Your Python Version

Before installing dependencies, confirm your Python version meets the recommendation:

python --version

Or for systems with multiple Python installations:

python3 --version

Setting a Specific Python Version

If you use version management tools, specify Python 3.10 or newer for your Superset development environment:

Using pyenv:

pyenv local 3.11.0

Using Poetry:

poetry env use python3.11

Using conda:

conda create -n superset python=3.11

Summary

• The superset-sh/superset repository does not specify a required Python version in pyproject.toml, requirements.txt, or documentation files
• Python references in the codebase relate only to editor syntax highlighting (@codemirror/lang-python in apps/desktop/package.json) and terminal parsing, not runtime requirements
• Developers should use Python 3.10 or newer (3.10, 3.11, or 3.12 recommended) for optimal compatibility with modern Python tooling
• Verify your version with python --version and manage environments using pyenv, poetry, or conda

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apache Superset require Python 3.9 specifically?

No. While some older documentation might reference Python 3.9, the current superset-sh/superset repository does not enforce any specific Python version. You should use Python 3.10 or newer to ensure compatibility with recent dependencies and security updates.

Where should I look in the repository to find Python version requirements?

Typically, Python projects declare versions in pyproject.toml (under [project] or [tool.poetry.dependencies]), setup.py, or requirements.txt. In this repository, none of these files contain python_requires or version constraints. The only Python-related entries appear in apps/desktop/package.json as JavaScript editor dependencies.

Can I use Python 3.13 for Superset development?

Python 3.13 is the latest stable release and should work for development, provided that all dependencies in your specific environment support it. Since the repository does not pin versions, compatibility depends on third-party packages. If you encounter installation issues with 3.13, fall back to Python 3.11 or 3.12, which have broader ecosystem support.

How do I check which Python version my Superset installation is using?

Run the following command in your terminal or within your virtual environment:

python -c "import sys; print(sys.version)"

This outputs the exact Python version currently active in your environment, ensuring you're running the expected release for your Superset development work.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "instagit": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "instagit@latest"]
    }
  }
}