How To Check Jupyter Lab Version

Jupyter Lab is a versatile and powerful tool that has become a favorite among data scientists, researchers, and developers for creating and sharing documents that contain live code, equations, visualizations, and narrative text. With frequent updates and new features being added, it’s essential to know which version of Jupyter Lab you are using. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to check your Jupyter Lab version.

Why Checking Your Jupyter Lab Version Matters

Jupyter Lab evolves rapidly, with developers regularly introducing bug fixes, improvements, and new functionalities. Knowing your version is crucial for several reasons:

1. Staying Up-to-Date: Keeping your Jupyter Lab version current ensures you have access to the latest features and security updates.
2. Compatibility: Certain Jupyter Lab extensions, notebooks, or packages may require a specific version. Checking your version can help ensure everything works smoothly.
3. Bug Fixes: Newer versions often contain bug fixes that can resolve issues you might be experiencing.

Method 1: Using Jupyter Lab Interface

1. Launch Jupyter Lab: Open your terminal and type jupyter lab to start Jupyter Lab.
2. Check the Bottom Bar: In the Jupyter Lab interface, look at the bottom bar. You’ll find the Jupyter Lab version displayed there.
3. Note the Version: Make a note of the version number for reference.

Method 2: Using the Command Line

If you prefer using the command line or need to check the version without launching Jupyter Lab, follow these steps:

1. Open Terminal: Launch your terminal or command prompt.
2. Type the Command: Type the following command and press Enter:
   jupyter lab --version


   This will display the version of Jupyter Lab installed on your system.

3. Note the Version: Make a note of the version number displayed in your terminal.

Method 3: Using Python

You can also check the Jupyter Lab version using Python. Here’s how:

1. Launch Python: Open your terminal or command prompt.
2. Start Python: Type python and press Enter to start a Python session.
3. Enter Python Commands: Enter the following Python commands:
   import jupyterlab
print(jupyterlab.__version__)


   Running these commands will display the Jupyter Lab version.

4. Note the Version: Make a note of the version number displayed in the Python session.

Updating Jupyter Lab

If you find that your Jupyter Lab version is outdated and you’d like to update it, you can use the following command:

This command will update Jupyter Lab to the latest version available on the Python Package Index (PyPI).

In conclusion, knowing your Jupyter Lab version is vital for keeping your data science workflow running smoothly. Whether you prefer checking it via the Jupyter Lab interface, command line, or Python, you’ll have no trouble finding the information you need. Stay up-to-date, enjoy the latest features, and make the most of Jupyter Lab in your data science projects.