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Pip install from git repo branch

python
pip-install
git-repo
version-control
Nikita BarsukovbyNikita Barsukov·Nov 24, 2024
TLDR

Here's the quickest way to install directly from a GitHub branch with pip:

# The code Elvis Presley would implement if he was a Python programmer pip install git+https://github.com/user/repo.git@branch#egg=name

In this command, replace user, repo, branch, and name with your GitHub username, repository name, branch name, and the package name you need to install.

Before you hit Enter, verify the branch's existence on GitHub and keep an eye out for any pesky typos in your command. Remember, a typo can turn a brewing coffee into a coffin for your code! 😉

Following the python protocols

If you're cohabitating with Python 3, show some love by using pip3 instead of pip for compatibility reasons.

When it comes to protocol choice, HTTPS is the more secure route. Axé all hackers!

However, if SSH fits your shoes, adapt the command slightly:

# Look ma, I'm programming! pip install git+ssh://[email protected]/user/repo.git@branch#egg=name

Ensure that your SSH systems are awake and running for authentication.

To make things more precise, you can use a commit hash instead of a branch name. Simply swap @branch with your commit hash like @abcd1234.

Troubleshooting 101

If you experience a bit of sweat or blood during the installation, check whether your repository's access permissions are properly cordoned off for your installation.

And what's more, remember to update your requirements.txt to map the location of your installed package, for repeatable builds.

And if you're eager for a faster installation:

# Fast. Furious. Codicious. pip install https://github.com/user/repo/archive/branch.zip

Best practices? Yes, please!

As a law-abiding citizen of programmer's world, always stick to version control best practices. Pinning your package to a specific commit hash ensures your environment is unscathed by any surprises from the package.

Post-installation, test your package thoroughly to ensure it’s fitting well in its new home. And remember, commit the changes to your requirements.txt - the holy grail for your project dependencies.

Picking fruits from the large tree

Large repositories might make your download process longer than the last Game of Thrones season. To mitigate this, combine git clone with --depth 1 option and then follow with pip install:

# Brace yourself, codes are coming git clone --depth 1 -b branch https://github.com/user/repo.git pip install ./repo

This will make a shallow clone with the only history of the specified branch. Don't forget to clean up the cloned repository after your hunger is satiated.

Automating your farm machinery

For the lovers of continuous integration systems and automations, scripting the installation command ensures consistency throughout your deployments and tests. Using environment variables or configuration files for storing repository URLs and branch names can make your life easier than cooking with a recipe.