Python Version Compatibility

This project is designed to work with Python 3.13.5 (as included on Raspberry Pi OS).

Version Requirements

• Minimum: Python 3.11
• Target: Python 3.13.5 (Raspberry Pi)
• Maximum: Python < 3.14 (to ensure compatibility)

Why Python 3.13.5?

The Raspberry Pi comes with Python 3.13.5 pre-installed, so no additional Python installation is needed. This simplifies deployment and ensures consistency.

Virtual Environment Setup

On Development Machine

1. Using pyenv (recommended):

   pyenv install 3.13.5
   pyenv local 3.13.5
   python --version  # Should show 3.13.5
   

2. Using system Python:

   python3 --version  # Check version
   python3 -m venv venv
   source venv/bin/activate
   

3. Using setup script:

   ./setup-venv.sh 3.13.5
   source venv/bin/activate
   

On Raspberry Pi

The system Python 3.13.5 is used automatically:

python3 --version  # Should show Python 3.13.5
python3 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate
pip install -r requirements.txt

Compatibility Notes

The code uses modern Python features that are compatible with Python 3.11+:

• ✅ Type hints with built-in generics (dict[str, Any], tuple[int, int])
• ✅ dataclasses (Python 3.7+)
• ✅ asyncio with async/await
• ✅ match statements (Python 3.10+, but not used in this project)
• ✅ Optional and Union type hints

All dependencies are compatible with Python 3.11-3.13.

Testing Compatibility

To verify your setup works:

# Check Python version
python3 --version

# Create and activate venv
python3 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate

# Install dependencies
pip install -r requirements.txt

# Run tests
pytest

# Run the application
python3 -m aero_pi_cam.core.main

Troubleshooting

Issue: python3 --version shows a different version than 3.13.5

• On Raspberry Pi: This is normal if you’ve updated the system. Python 3.11+ should work fine.
• On development machine: Use pyenv or ensure your venv uses the correct version.

Issue: Import errors or syntax errors

• Ensure you’re using Python 3.11 or higher
• Check that all dependencies are installed: pip install -r requirements.txt

Issue: Virtual environment not activating

• Make sure you’re in the project directory
• Use source venv/bin/activate (not ./venv/bin/activate)