How do I update a Python package?

Using 'sudo' with pip

If you aspire to be the boss of your system, treat sudo as your magic spell. Command system-wide installation and never look back:

# Use sudo only if you've grown a full wizard beard!
sudo pip install -U package_name
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For user-specific installations, either a virtual environment or the --user flag is more appropriate:

# User bob gets a private installation. Keeping the good stuff to yourself, bob? 
pip install --user -U package_name
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Locating and upgrading old packages

Playing detective with outdated packages? Here's your magnifying glass:

# "Old is Gold", but not this time.
pip list --outdated
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Cure all your outdated packages in one massive swoop for a power move:

# Because ain't nobody got time for one-by-one upgrades
pip install $(pip list --outdated | awk '{print $1}') -U
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Facing special case results

M2Crypto pushing you to the edge? Toss the old version right into the trash, and replace it with shiny and new:

# Time to say goodbye to the old M2Crypto
sudo pip uninstall M2Crypto

# Welcome home, M2Crypto v.0.20.2!
sudo pip install M2Crypto==0.20.2
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Life didn't turn out as expected post-update? Time to love the ex (previous version):

# Embrace your past with Python!
pip install package_name==previous_version
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Automation with the power of scripts

Why manually upgrade packages when you can make it automatic? Scripts like pip-upgrade are your saving grace.

Cleaning up package residue

Leftover files after uninstallation? Eww. Let's clean up to maintain hygiene:

Upgrading pip, the head honcho

Keeping up with the times means your lead roadrunner, pip, also needs to be at its fittest:

# Can't let the boss be outdated, can we?
pip install --upgrade pip
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Upgrading into unknowns

Diving straight into an upgrade? The blindfold option:

# Going with the flow
pip install --upgrade package_name
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A little bit adventurous? Update the package, and take the companions (dependencies) along:

# A complete package deal, 'eager' for more.
pip install --upgrade --upgrade-strategy=eager package_name
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Think before you leap

Prior to updating, check the landing ground - dependencies and version requirements.

After the huge leap (update), test the app to ensure it’s not broken. If it’s beyond repair, consider the sweet pain of breakup: uninstall.

Got an error about access denied to /usr/share/pyshared? Know where your package lives (--target).

Upgrading bulk packages & virtual environments

With great power comes great responsibility. System-wide updates aren't always the best. Consider a virtual environment for an isolated upgrade:

# Time for some 'me' space!
python -m venv myenv
source myenv/bin/activate

# Happy upgrades inside my bubble
pip install -U package_name
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For bulk upgrades, there's nothing like the magic wand of a requirements file:

# The community of upgrades, coming together... 
pip install -r requirements.txt
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