pip

pip is the standard package manager for Python. v24+ (2025) focuses on performance and standard compliance (PEP 668).

When to Use

• Python: It is the default.
• Virtual Environments: Always use inside a venv.

Quick Start

python -m venv .venv
source .venv/bin/activate

pip install requests
pip freeze > requirements.txt

Core Concepts

PyPI

The Python Package Index.

Wheels (.whl)

Pre-compiled binary packages. Much faster to install than Source Distributions (.tar.gz).

PEP 668 (Externally Managed)

Prevents pip install outside venv on modern Linux distros (Debian 12+, Ubuntu 24.04) to protect system packages.

Best Practices (2025)

Do:

• Use uv: The new hotness. uv pip install is 100x faster than standard pip. Compatible API.
• Use pip-tools: Compile requirements.in to requirements.txt with hashes for security.
• Always Venv: Never install global packages.

Don't:

• Don't use sudo pip: This breaks your OS.

References

• pip Documentation