# Installation

## Check your version of python

You will need python 3.10 or later. You can check your version of python by
typing into a terminal:

```
$ python3 --version
```

## Create a virtual environment

It is recommended that you install into a “virtual environment” so this
installation will not interfere with any existing Python software:

```
$ python3 -m venv /path/to/venv
$ source /path/to/venv/bin/activate
```

## Installing the library

You can now use `pip` to install the library and its dependencies:

```
$ python3 -m pip install ophyd-async
```

If you need to talk to a given control system, you will need to install
the specific extra:
- `ca` for EPICS Channel Access
- `pva` for EPICS PVAccess
- `tango` for Tango
- `sim` for simulated device requirements like h5py
- `demo` for tutorial requirements like ipython and matplotlib
- `testing` for testing requirements like pytest

E.g.:
```
$ python3 -m pip install ophyd-async[ca,sim,demo]
```

If you require a feature that is not currently released you can also install
from github:

```
$ python3 -m pip install git+https://github.com/bluesky/ophyd-async.git
```

The library should now be installed and the commandline interface on your path.
You can check the version that has been installed by typing:

```
$ python -m ophyd_async --version
```