Error running 'pip install': "ImportError: No module named pip"

Check your pip installation

Post running the command, you will see a 'Collecting pip' message, your ticket to the successful installation confirmation party. Inspect further with pip --version or, for Python 3 users, pip3 --version.

Keep Python updated or install from scratch

Ensure your version of Python is the latest and greatest:

• On Linux: sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade python3
• On macOS with Homebrew: brew update && brew upgrade python

If you are craving a fresh Python install on macOS with pip included, cook it up with this recipe:

brew install python
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Virtual environment etiquette

Always say "activate your virtual environment, please" before wielding any pip installation commands:

source /path/to/venv/bin/activate
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Remember, pip installs within the active environment like a polite house guest, ensuring the sanctity of your project's isolation.

Python and pip version mix-and-match

You'll want to match the right version of pip with your Python. For Python's 2.x fans club, use:

sudo apt install python-pip
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For those aboard Python 3.x spaceship, signal this command:

sudo apt install python3-pip
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If you are living life on the edge with Python 2.7, don't shy away from:

python2.7 -m ensurepip --default-pip
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Didn't pip install work? Let's troubleshoot

If pip installation is throwing tantrums, fear not! The user-friendly easy_install is ready for your call:

easy_install pip
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It's good housekeeping to uninstall any old versions of pip before installing a new one, because nobody likes a cluttered toolbox:

pip uninstall pip
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Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Monsters under the ImportError bed include:

• Python version: Are you using the right version for your requirements?
• Environment: Is it the right environment, which might already have pip installed?

Speaking in tongues: the right pip command

When dealing with polyglot systems where multiple Python versions speak different dialects, be very specific:

/usr/bin/python3.8 -m pip install package-name
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This ensures you're speaking to pip from Python 3.8, and not linguistically confusing your system.