Announcement of Python 2.7 EOL for Alibaba Cloud Linux 3
Python 2.7 in Alibaba Cloud Linux 3 reached its end of lifecycle (EOL) on June 20, 2025. After this date, no security fixes or feature updates are provided for Python 2.7 on Alibaba Cloud Linux 3. Upgrade to Python 3.6, the main Python version in Alibaba Cloud Linux 3, to keep your applications secure.
Background
Alibaba Cloud Linux 3 included Python 2.7 to support applications that require early Python versions. Python 2.7 support in Alibaba Cloud Linux 3 depended on continuous security fixes from Alibaba Cloud Linux 2. As Alibaba Cloud Linux 2 entered the Extended Life Support (ELS) phase and the Python 2.7 community discontinued updates, vulnerability fixes and feature updates for Python 2.7 can no longer be provided.
Python 2.7 packages remain available in the Alibaba Cloud Linux 3 repository for download, but no updates are provided.
Impact scope
This announcement affects Alibaba Cloud Linux 3 instances that have Python 2.7 installed and in use. If your instances do not use Python 2.7, no action is required.
Continuing to run Python 2.7 after EOL carries the following risks:
Vulnerabilities in Python 2.7 cannot be fixed, exposing your workloads to security risks.
Third-party libraries and dependent components may develop compatibility issues as they drop Python 2.7 support.
Upgrade from Python 2.7 to Python 3
Python 3.6 is the main Python version in Alibaba Cloud Linux 3. Follow these steps to migrate your applications:
Audit your dependencies. Identify all third-party libraries your application uses and check whether Python 3-compatible versions are available.
Review syntax differences. Python 3 has significant syntax differences from Python 2. Review the What's New in Python 3 page to understand breaking changes before you start.
Use the 2to3 tool. The Python community provides the 2to3 automatic code translation tool to assist with converting your Python 2 code. No tools can be used for automated migration; manual review and changes are required throughout the process.
Port remaining code manually. After running 2to3, review and manually resolve any remaining incompatibilities. The Python 2 to 3 porting guide covers common patterns.
Test thoroughly. Run your full test suite against Python 3.6. Plan for phased migration across environments and prepare a rollback plan before promoting changes to production.
Technical support
DingTalk group (recommended): Join group 23149462 for technical support.
Ticket: Submit a ticket to report issues.
Emergency: If your applications cannot be migrated in time, contact your dedicated technical support team to discuss transition solutions.
FAQ
I still use Python 2.7 on my Alibaba Cloud Linux 3 instance. What should I do?
Upgrade to Python 3.6. Python 2.7 packages remain downloadable from the official Alibaba Cloud Linux 3 repository, but no security or feature updates are provided. Without security fixes, any vulnerabilities in Python 2.7 remain permanently unresolved. Follow the migration steps above to port your applications to Python 3.6.
I cannot migrate to Python 3 right now. What are my options?
Contact your dedicated technical support team to discuss transition solutions. You can still download Python 2.7 from the official Alibaba Cloud Linux 3 repository, but no CVE fixes are available and Alibaba Cloud does not provide technical support for Python 2.7 scenarios after EOL.
Will migrating to Python 3 break my existing application?
Python 3 has significant syntax differences from Python 2, so comprehensive testing is required. Use phased migration — validate on a staging environment before promoting to production — and prepare a rollback plan. No tools can be used for automated migration; use the methods provided by the native Python community.
Can I manually install a newer version of Python 2.7 or get CVE fixes?
The official Alibaba Cloud Linux 3 repository no longer provides updates for Python 2.7. To get newer versions or CVE fixes, you need to compile from source or use third-party repositories. Alibaba Cloud does not provide technical support for these scenarios.