Install Bengal

Install Bengal using pip, uv, or from source

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Requirements

Bengal requires Python 3.14 or later. For best performance, use Python 3.14t (free-threaded build).

Install

uv pip install bengal

Or for a one-time run:

uvx bengal --version

pip install bengal

pipx install bengal

This installs Bengal in an isolated environment while making thebengalcommand available globally.

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git clone https://github.com/lbliii/bengal.git
cd bengal
pip install -e ".[dev]"

This installs Bengal in development mode.

Verify Installation

bengal --version

You should see output like:Bengal SSG, version X.X.X

Python Version Setup

pyenv lets you install and switch between multiple Python versions:

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# 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 (Optional)

For best performance, use the free-threaded build (Python 3.14t):

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# 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')"

Why? The free-threaded build enables true parallel processing for 1.8-2x faster builds.

Troubleshooting

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
Python version errors

Verify your Python version:

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python --version
# or
python3 --version

Install Python 3.14+ using pyenv or the official installer.

Permission errors

Use the--userflag:

pip install --user bengal

Or use a virtual environment:

python -m venv venv && source venv/bin/activate

Next Steps