Skip to content
Get packs

Guide · Open source

How to use pip: the Python package installer explained

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

pip is the Python package installer, the tool you use to add third-party Python libraries to your system or to a project. This guide is for beginners and students who want to understand what pip does, where its packages come from, and how the pypa/pip project fits in. The source for this page was a truncated README, so it does not document pip's everyday command syntax; treat what follows as an orientation and use the official homepage for full usage details.

pippypa/pip · ★ 10.3k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Install Python. Install Python first, since pip works with Python and is typically bundled with recent versions.
  2. 2Confirm pip is available. Check whether pip came with your Python installation before installing anything extra.
  3. 3Read the official docs. Open pip.pypa.io to find the current commands and options for installing packages.
  4. 4Install the packages you need. Use pip to add the third-party libraries your program depends on, following the documentation.
  5. 5Keep a requirements file. Record your project's packages so others can install the same set, as the Best-for guidance suggests.

What pip does

pip downloads Python packages and their dependencies, typically from PyPI (the Python Package Index). This lets you reuse code other people have written instead of writing everything yourself.

Because pip only manages Python packages, it is only relevant if you write or run Python programs.

  • Downloads third-party libraries from PyPI
  • Also fetches the dependencies those libraries need
  • Adds packages to your system or project

Check that Python and pip are available

pip requires Python. According to the project description, pip is typically bundled with recent Python versions, so you may already have it once Python is installed.

If you are unsure whether it is present, check your Python installation first, since pip normally comes with it.

  • Install Python before anything else
  • pip is usually included with recent Python versions

Get the pip source code from GitHub

If you want to look at or work on pip itself, the project is hosted on GitHub. The repository can be cloned with git. You do not need to do this to use pip; it is only needed if you want the source.

The project is licensed under MIT and written in Python.

  • Repository: github.com/pypa/pip
  • Licence: MIT
  • Language: Python
git clone https://github.com/pypa/pip

Find usage details in the official docs

The README supplied for this page was empty or cut off, so the specific pip commands, flags and options are not covered here. For how to install packages, manage requirements files and use other features, read the official documentation at the project homepage.

Going to the source (the homepage) is the safest way to confirm current behaviour rather than relying on this summary.

  • Official homepage: pip.pypa.io
  • Documentation covers commands and options in detail

Compare pip with similar tools

pip is one of several ways to manage Python packages. The projects most often compared with it are uv, Poetry and conda.

pip is the standard, widely used packaging tool. The source does not confirm how far pip goes beyond installing packages, so if you need one tool that handles a full environment and dependency management, compare the options before you commit.

  • uv
  • Poetry
  • conda

What people use it for

  • Adding third-party libraries to a Python program
  • Setting up a Python environment for coursework
  • Maintaining a requirements file for a Python project
  • Standardising package installs across a team

Frequently asked questions

What is pip in Python?

pip is the Python package installer. It is the command you use to add third-party Python libraries to your system or project, downloading them and their dependencies, typically from PyPI.

Is pip free to use?

pip is released under the MIT licence, which is an open-source licence. The source does not mention pricing beyond that.

Do I need to install pip separately?

According to the project description, pip is typically bundled with recent Python versions. Check your Python installation first before installing anything extra.

Where does pip download packages from?

pip typically downloads packages from PyPI, the Python Package Index, along with the dependencies those packages require.

Is pip better than uv, Poetry or conda?

pip is the standard, widely used packaging tool. uv, Poetry and conda are the main alternatives, and the source does not compare them in detail, so choose based on whether you need a full environment and dependency manager in one tool.

Where can I find pip commands and troubleshooting help?

The README supplied for this page was empty or truncated, so it does not cover commands or troubleshooting. Use the official homepage at pip.pypa.io for current documentation.

New agent skills, repos and AI tools — every week

The best new skills and open-source projects, the fastest-growing repos, and one free prompt. Five minutes to read. Unsubscribe anytime.

Our verdict

pip suits Python developers, students and teams who need a standard tool to install and manage third-party libraries and keep requirements files. If you do not use Python, or if you want a single tool that handles full environment and dependency management, compare it with uv, Poetry or conda before deciding.

Install options & downloads