How to install Pip3 in Ubuntu

Python 3’s Pip is often known as pip3. The good news is that Ubuntu 18.04/20.04/22.04 comes with Python 3 pre-installed. Nonetheless, you’ll have to install pip3 yourself. Here are the instructions to follow for How to install Pip3 in Ubuntu:

$ sudo apt update

$ sudo apt install python3-pip

$ pip3 --version

$ sudo pip3 install --upgrade pip

How to Install a Pip Package

With pip installed on your Ubuntu machine, you can begin installing Python packages available in the Python Package Index (PyPI). You can then use a variety of commands to manage these packages with pip.

Kindly note that the commands to use will depend on the Python version installed on your system. The commands presented below are suitable for use with Python 3.

To install a package, execute the following command:

$ pip3 install <package name>

For example, here’s how to install

NumPy is the fundamental package for scientific computing with Python – on a machine running Python 3:

$ pip3 install numpy

If you want to install a specific version of a package using pip, indicate the version number in the command. For instance, to install Numpy 1.23.0, run this command:

$ pip3 install numpy==1.23.0

To upgrade an installed package to the latest version available on the Python Package Index (PyPI), execute this command:

$ pip3 install <package_name> --upgrade

For instance, to update Numpy on a computer running Python 3, execute the following command:

$ pip3 install numpy --upgrade

Occasionally, you may need to uninstall pip packages that you’ve installed. To remove a package in Python 3, execute the following command:

$ pip3 uninstall <package_name>

What Is pip and what does It do?

Pip is a package management system for Python software that stands for “pip installs packages”. It’s a command-line interface for managing packages and is used to install and manage Python packages from the command line or a terminal program after it’s been installed.

A Python package is a collection of Python modules. They contain Python definitions and statements, usually including runnable code.

Pip simplifies the task of installing and handling Python modules and packages by connecting to the Python Package Index (PyPI), which is the official third-party software repository for Python. By accessing PyPI, pip makes it easier to find, install, and manage Python packages without manual downloading or configuration.

When a user installs Python packages using pip, the package manager will resolve all the dependencies and check whether the chosen software packages are already installed. If pip finds that the software hasn’t been installed, it will install them on the machine.

Alternative Solutions for Installing Pip3 on Ubuntu

While apt is the standard and recommended method for installing pip3 on Ubuntu, alternative approaches exist, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here are two alternative methods for How to install Pip3 in Ubuntu:

1. Using get-pip.py:

This method involves downloading a Python script called get-pip.py from the official pip website and then executing it using the Python interpreter. This approach is particularly useful when you need a specific version of pip or when the apt package manager has issues.

Explanation: The get-pip.py script is a self-contained script that downloads and installs pip and its dependencies. It bypasses the system’s package manager, allowing for more control over the installation process.

Steps:

Download the script:

curl https://bootstrap.pypa.io/get-pip.py -o get-pip.py

Execute the script with Python 3:
```
sudo python3 get-pip.py
```
Verify the installation:
```
pip3 --version
```

Advantages:
- Allows installing a specific pip version.
- Works even if the system’s package manager is having issues.
- Can be useful for installing pip in environments without apt.
Disadvantages:
- Requires downloading a script from the internet.
- Less integrated with the system’s package management.
- Requires manual management of pip updates.

2. Using Virtual Environments (venv):

This method leverages Python’s built-in virtual environment module (venv) to create an isolated environment with its own pip installation. This approach is ideal for managing dependencies for specific projects without affecting the system-wide Python installation.

Explanation: A virtual environment is a self-contained directory that contains a Python interpreter and a pip installation. When you activate a virtual environment, any packages installed using pip will be placed within that environment, preventing conflicts with other projects or the system’s Python installation. This is the recommended approach for managing project dependencies.
Steps:
1. Create a virtual environment:
```
python3 -m venv myenv
```
  (Replace myenv with your desired environment name).
2. Activate the virtual environment:
```
source myenv/bin/activate
```
3. Install packages using pip (now pip3 points to the environment’s pip):
```
pip install <package_name>
```
  For example:
```
pip install requests
```
4. Deactivate the virtual environment when finished:
```
deactivate
```
Advantages:
- Isolates project dependencies, preventing conflicts.
- Allows using different pip versions for different projects.
- Keeps the system’s Python installation clean.
Disadvantages:
- Adds a layer of complexity to project management.
- Requires creating and activating virtual environments for each project.

What to Consider When Choosing an Installation Method

The best method for installing pip3 on Ubuntu depends on your specific needs and circumstances.

For general use and system-wide installation: The apt package manager method is generally the simplest and most convenient.
For specific pip versions or when apt fails: The get-pip.py script provides more control over the installation process.
For managing project dependencies and isolating environments: Virtual environments are the recommended approach.

Conclusion

Pip is a helpful command line package manager and installer for Ubuntu. Using various commands, pip allows you to manage Python software packages from the Ubuntu terminal. This guide offers comprehensive insights into How to install Pip3 in Ubuntu.

In this tutorial, you have learned how to install pip on Ubuntu machines running Python 3 using the standard apt method. We have also covered how to use pip to install Python packages, upgrade them to the latest version, and remove them from your system. Furthermore, we explored two alternative methods: using get-pip.py and virtual environments. With these skills, you can now manage Python packages easily and efficiently using the command line. Understanding How to install Pip3 in Ubuntu is crucial for Python development.

We hope you’ve found this article helpful and wish you the best of luck in your future projects with pip on Ubuntu. The article explores How to install Pip3 in Ubuntu and provides several options for doing so.