changing python path on mac?

Question

I would like to change my PATH from Python 2.6.1 to 3.1.2. I have both versions installed on my computer, but when I type python --version in the terminal I get Python 2.6.1. So, thats the current version it's "pointing" to. Now if I type python3.1 it loads the version I want to use, although the PATH is still pointing to 2.6.1. Downloaded along with the Python 3.1 package comes an Update Shell Profile.command - when I run it and then run nano ~/.bash_profile it says:

Setting PATH for Python 3.1 the orginal version is saved in .bash_profile.pysave PATH="/Library/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/3.1/bin:${PATH}" export PATH.

Does this mean that I have changed the PATH, or does it just giving me instructions how to?

Answer 1

PATH="/Library/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/3.1/bin:${PATH}" 
export PATH

This will append the Python directory to the path.

If this is part of ~/.bash_profile, this will append the Python path on each startup.