Installation Troubleshooting

SSHScript v3.1 requires Python 3.11 or newer. Use the same Python interpreter for installation and execution to avoid most environment problems.

Release status: SSHScript 3.1.4 is the current Production/Stable release on PyPI. These instructions cover the supported 3.1.x line and were last verified with 3.1.4. Start with Installation and Verification.

Confirm the interpreter

python3 --version
python3 -m pip --version

If Python is older than 3.11, install a supported version and create a fresh virtual environment.

Install in a virtual environment

python3 -m venv .venv
. .venv/bin/activate
python3 -m pip install --upgrade pip
python3 -m pip install "sshscript==3.1.4"

A virtual environment avoids system-package permissions and makes the Python and pip pair explicit. Use a project requirements or lock file instead of typing the version directly when the application already has one.

sshscript: command not found

First verify that the package is installed for the current interpreter:

python3 -m pip show sshscript
python3 -m pip install --force-reinstall "sshscript==3.1.4"

If the package is present but the command is unavailable, activate the virtual environment or add that Python installation’s scripts directory to PATH. Running python3 -m pip is safer than assuming pip and python3 refer to the same installation.

The wrong version is imported

sshscript --version
python3 -c "import sshscript; print(sshscript.__version__); print(sshscript.__file__)"

An older checkout, a local sshscript.py file, or another environment can shadow the installed package. Run the command outside directories containing a conflicting module and inspect sshscript.__file__.

For a deliberate editable installation from a trusted source checkout:

test -f pyproject.toml
python3 -m pip install -e .

Do not mix an editable checkout and the PyPI package in the same environment unless you are intentionally testing import precedence.

Dependency or build errors

Upgrade packaging tools, then retry:

python3 -m pip install --upgrade pip setuptools wheel
python3 -m pip install --force-reinstall "sshscript==3.1.4"

If installation still fails, record the Python version, operating system, and the complete package-manager error. Do not include credentials or private keys in a public report.

Host-key errors after installation

An unknown host key or host key changed error means installation worked and SSHScript’s secure connection policy rejected an unverified server. Verify the server identity and update known_hosts. Do not disable verification as a general workaround. See Connections, Authentication, and Bastions.

Minimal diagnostics

python3 --version
python3 -m pip --version
python3 -m pip show sshscript
sshscript --version

Use --traceback only in a protected diagnostic environment because a full trace can expose source, commands, paths, or secrets.

Last Updated: 2026-09-24 15:36:45