Install SpeechRecognition in Python Step by Step

SpeechRecognition is a Python library for performing speech recognition. It supports multiple engines and APIs. This guide will help you install it easily.

Prerequisites

Before installing SpeechRecognition, ensure you have Python installed. You can check by running:

python --version

If you get a ModuleNotFoundError, refer to this guide on solving ModuleNotFoundError.

Install SpeechRecognition

Use pip to install SpeechRecognition. Run the following command in your terminal:

pip install SpeechRecognition

This will download and install the latest version. Wait for the process to complete.

Verify Installation

To ensure SpeechRecognition is installed, run Python and import it:

import speech_recognition as sr
print(sr.__version__)

If no errors appear, the installation was successful.

Basic Usage Example

Here’s a simple script to recognize speech from a microphone:

# Import the library
import speech_recognition as sr

# Initialize recognizer
recognizer = sr.Recognizer()

# Use microphone as source
with sr.Microphone() as source:
    print("Speak something...")
    audio = recognizer.listen(source)

# Recognize speech using Google Speech Recognition
try:
    text = recognizer.recognize_google(audio)
    print("You said: " + text)
except Exception as e:
    print("Error: " + str(e))

This code listens to your voice and prints the recognized text.

Handling Errors

If you encounter errors, ensure your microphone works. Also, check your internet connection if using online APIs.

For ModuleNotFoundError, revisit the installation steps or check the linked guide.

Conclusion

Installing SpeechRecognition in Python is simple. Follow these steps to start building voice-enabled apps. Experiment with different APIs for better results.