# Pip

> pip Python package manager. Use for Python packages.

- Skill: `majiayu000/pip` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add majiayu000/pip`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/majiayu000/pip/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: majiayu000 (https://skillmd.com/u/majiayu000)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/majiayu000/pip

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# 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

```bash
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](https://pip.pypa.io/)