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15. Working with pip

1. Introduction​

pip is Python’s default package manager.
It allows you to install, update, and remove external libraries (packages) that extend Python’s functionality.
Most Python projects use pip to manage dependencies.

2. Checking if pip is Installed​

Open a terminal or Command Prompt and run:

pip --version

or

pip3 --version

You should see something like:

pip 23.2.1 from /usr/local/lib/python3.12/site-packages/pip (python 3.12)

If you get an error, pip may not be installed.

3. Installing pip (if missing)​

  • On Windows, reinstall Python with the pip option checked.
  • On Linux/macOS, install with:
sudo apt install python3-pip        # Ubuntu/Debian
sudo dnf install python3-pip        # Fedora
brew install pipx && pipx ensurepath # macOS with Homebrew

4. Installing a Package​

To install a package:

pip install requests

This installs the requests library for making HTTP requests.

5. Using Installed Packages​

After installation, you can import the package in Python:

import requests
response = requests.get("https://example.com")
print(response.status_code)

6. Listing Installed Packages​

Check what’s installed:

pip list

Sample output:

numpy  1.26.0
pandas 2.1.1
requests 2.31.0

7. Upgrading Packages​

Update a package to the latest version:

pip install --upgrade requests

Upgrade pip itself:

pip install --upgrade pip

8. Uninstalling Packages​

Remove a package:

pip uninstall requests

9. Requirements Files​

For larger projects, dependencies are stored in a file called requirements.txt.

  • Create one:
pip freeze > requirements.txt
  • Install all packages from it:
pip install -r requirements.txt

10. Troubleshooting​

  • Permission denied (Linux/macOS) → Use pip install --user <package>.
  • pip installs wrong version → Make sure you use pip3 with Python 3.
  • PATH issues → Add the Python Scripts/ folder to PATH.

11. Next Steps​

✅ You now know how to install and manage packages with pip.
In the next chapter, we’ll explore virtual environments, which let you manage project-specific dependencies.