# Install Bengal

URL: /bengal/docs/0.4.3/get-started/installation/
Section: get-started
Tags: onboarding, installation

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Install Bengal Requirements Bengal requires Python 3.14 or later. For best performance, use the free-threaded build (Python 3.14t), which enables true parallel processing. Install uvRecommended pip pipx From SourceDevelopment uv pip install bengal Or for a one-time run without installation: uvx bengal --version pip install bengal pipx install bengal This installs Bengal in an isolated environment while making the bengal command available globally. git clone https://github.com/lbliii/bengal.git cd bengal make setup make install This installs Bengal in editable mode with development dependencies. Verify Installation bengal --version You should see output like: Bengal SSG, version 0.4.1 Upgrade Bengal Bengal includes a built-in upgrade command that automatically detects how it was installed: # Interactive upgrade (recommended) bengal upgrade # Skip confirmation bengal upgrade -y # Preview changes without executing bengal upgrade --dry-run The upgrade command: Detects your installer (uv, pip, pipx, conda) Checks PyPI for the latest version (cached for 24 hours) Shows a confirmation before making changes Tip Tip Bengal will show a notification after commands when a new version is available. You can disable this by setting BENGAL_NO_UPDATE_CHECK=1 in your environment. Python Version Setup pyenvRecommended Official Installer pyenv lets you install and switch between multiple Python versions: # macOS (with Homebrew) brew install pyenv # Install Python 3.14 pyenv install 3.14.0 # Set as default pyenv global 3.14.0 # Verify python --version Download Python 3.14 from python.org/downloads. After installation, verify: python3 --version Free-Threaded Python For best build performance, use the free-threaded Python build (Python 3.14t). This enables true parallel processing for 1.5-2x faster builds on multi-core machines. # With pyenv pyenv install 3.14.0t pyenv global 3.14.0t # Verify free-threading is enabled python -c "import sys; print('Free-threaded!' if sys._is_gil_enabled() == False else 'GIL enabled')" Bengal automatically detects the free-threaded build and enables parallel processing. Troubleshooting Warning Command not found Ensure Python's bin directory is in your PATH. If using a virtual environment, activate it: source .venv/bin/activate Try reinstalling: pip uninstall bengal && pip install bengal Warning Python version errors Verify your Python version: python --version # or python3 --version Bengal requires Python 3.14 or later. Install using pyenv or the official installer. Warning Permission errors Use the --user flag: pip install --user bengal Or use a virtual environment: python -m venv venv && source venv/bin/activate pip install bengal Next Steps Writer Quickstart — Start creating content Themer Quickstart — Customize your site's look Tutorials — Guided learning journeys

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Metadata:
- Author: lbliii
- Word Count: 396
- Reading Time: 2 minutes