Why use pip over easy_install?

python

pip-vs-easy_install

package-management

python-environment

byAlex Kataev·Oct 16, 2024

Choose pip due to its robust dependency management, secure downloading using HTTPS, and the capability to uninstall packages cleanly. To install a package, run:

# And here, we summon the Python package gods...
pip install package-name

pip also offers reproducibility—with just a command, generate a requirements.txt:

# Behold, the divine decree of package versions!
pip freeze > requirements.txt

With pip, you're aligning with modern Python development best practices, benefiting from consistent updates, and ensuring seamless workflow integration.

Deeper dive into pip's advantages over easy_install

Reproducibility for a peace of mind

pip enables you to define and duplicate sets of requirements with ease. It's like having a snapshot of your project's environment, allowing for consistency across development, testing, and production stages. This reproducibility is a core feature missing in easy_install.

Version control support for cool kids

pip is best buddies with various version control systems like Git, Mercurial, and SVN. This built-in integration is crucial when you're set up with CI/CD pipelines. Back in the day, easy_install tried, but it unfortunately fell short in flexibility.

When you want to let go: Package uninstallation

With pip, you can graciously uninstall packages. It's integral for maintaining a squeaky-clean environment. Should the installation process face an unsettling error, pip ensures no trace is left—something easy_install hasn't quite mastered.

Efficiency through Wheel support

Time is of the essence, and pip understands that. It supports installing binary packages distributed as wheels—a quicker method compared to the source distributions used by easy_install.

Born to jive with virtual environments

pip works like a dream with virtual environments, such as virtualenv or venv. This lets you create separate environments for each of your projects, avoiding the perennial issue of conflicting package versions that plague easy_install users.

Pip outshines easy_install with advanced capabilities

Preemptive problem-solving

pip takes the initiative to download all required packages before the installation process begins. This negates the possibility of partial setups due to a later dependency failing to download—a common headache with easy_install.

Flat installation with all the details

Experienced users would appreciate pip's ability to perform a flat installation while keeping the essential metadata. This feature is particularly useful for wide-scale installations and delivers a better experience than easy_install.

Staying in the game with continuous improvement

pip is an ever-evolving tool with new features consistently added. Unfortunately, easy_install, being stuck in its ways, couldn't keep up with these modern package management needs.

Nailing the dependency game

With pip, managing complex dependencies becomes child's play. It plans package installations in advance, handling dependencies proactively. This foresight was somewhat missed by easy_install.