Python and pip, list all versions of a package that's available?

Different beats for different pip's versions

Depending on your pip version, different commands are used to display available versions of a package without installing them:

For pip >= 21.2, let's go modern:

pip index versions <package_name> # Feel the rhythm of modern pip

For pip >= 9.0 and <= 21.1, keep it classic:

pip install <package_name>==  # Classic always has its charm...

For pip versions around 20.3, vintage style:

pip install --use-deprecated=legacy-resolver <package_name>==  # Vintage? No problem

Each command retrieves a list of all available versions for a given package from our dear friend, PyPI.

More than one way to list versions

Listing version information is not restricted to simple command-line usage. Here are some additional tools in the toolbox:

Python's requests to the rescue

Use Python's requests module to get version details from PyPI's JSON API:

1. Fetch from PyPI's JSON API:

   import requests
   
   def fetch_versions(package_name):
       url = f"https://pypi.org/pypi/{package_name}/json"  
       response = requests.get(url)  # Send "a friend" to visit the url
       return response.json()['releases'].keys()  # Pick up "souvenirs" - the keys of 'releases'
   

2. Sort and display fetched versions data:

   from distutils.version import StrictVersion  # The "judge" for sorting versions
   
   versions = fetch_versions('your-package-name')  # Time to make a new friend
   sorted_versions = sorted(versions, key=StrictVersion)  # Let the judge decide the ranking
   print(sorted_versions)  # Show off your "competitors"
   

Bash scripting with the crew: curl and jq

Use a bash script along with curl and jq to wrangle version data from the pypi.org API:

#!/bin/bash
set -e  # Gear up for action
package_name=$1  # Choose your "package_name" weapon
curl -L "https://pypi.org/pypi/${package_name}/json" | jq '.releases | keys | .[]'  # Bash away version-finding strategy


Don't forget to pass the package name as an argument, and remember that the -L flag is there to redirect URLs. Because we hate dead-ends, don't we?

Verbose mode: When the quiet gets too loud

Sometimes, using verbose mode -v with pip can help you sneak peak on available versions during installation attempts:

pip install -v <package_name>  # Like a backstage pass

This is more like a spy tool rather than a norm. Use it for problem diagnosing.

Watchouts and pointers

While you're busy with Python packages and versions, keep an eye out for these:

Deprecated options and removals

• Be careful with deprecated options or those removed. They're like outdated fashion trends.
• The --no-install flag is one of those old-fashioned trends. Instead, put on the --no-deps --no-install outfit.

Reliability concerns

• Don't trust any stranger scripts that often appear on public forums like pastebin. Treat them like urban myths - fun to talk about but not trustworthy.

Regular updates and code maintenance

• Keep your scripts and methods fresh and updated. Don't let them get dusty and rusty.

More than one way to skin a cat

• Always open to alternative methods, just like that one called Chris's alternative method. Learning never ends.