Pipenv: Command Not Found

Unpacking the PATH

Often, pipenv: command not found arises because PATH (an environment variable) doesn't include the pipenv installation directory. Herein lies our first detective clue. 🔍

Battle of Installations: Global vs User

• Global Install: Uses sudo, affects all users on your system but might need an admin password. But hey, who doesn't like some power?

  sudo pip install pipenv
  

• User Install: No sudo, and the changes only apply to you.

  pip install --user pipenv
  

Python Environments and the Usual Suspects

Different environments and Python versions can contribute to our missing pipenv.

• Python 2 vs. Python 3: Some systems default to Python 2. To call Python 3, replace python with python3:

  pip3 install --user pipenv
  

• User Environment: If you're using --user, extend your PATH to include the user base's binary directory.

A Mac User's Guide to PATH Finding

If you're using a Mac, binaries like pipenv often lurk in /usr/local/bin. If pipenv STILL plays hide and seek, consider upgrading pip:

sudo pip3 install --upgrade pip
pip3 install pipenv


Deep-diving into Troubleshooting

Clean Slate: Uninstall & Reinstall

At times, starting afresh is your best bet. If you're still at odds with pipenv, uninstall and reinstall:

pip uninstall pipenv
pip3 uninstall pipenv
pip3 install pipenv


Brew vs Pip on Mac

Mac users who've installed Python via Homebrew, check for potential conflicts. If suspicions are high, uninstall via Homebrew, then reinstall utilizing pip.

Invoking as a Module

If the direct pipenv command refuses to work, here's a workaround: run it as a Python module:

python -m pipenv


Validating the Installation

Double-check and validate the pipenv installation by confirming its presence in PATH:

echo $PATH | grep $(python -m site --user-base)/bin


The Official Guide is Your Friend

When in doubt, always refer to pipenvs official installation guide for reliable and updated information.