How to Set the Correct pip Path After Upgrading Python

Описание: Learn how to ensure that `pip` installs packages in the correct directory after upgrading Python versions.
---
This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/73388733/ asked by the user 'Ludogiraud' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/17101116/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/73389101/ provided by the user 'FlyingTeller' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/5012099/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: Once a Python upgraded to a new version how do you change the path where to Pip install installs?

Also, Content (except music) licensed under CC BY-SA https://meta.stackexchange.com/help/l...
The original Question post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license, and the original Answer post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license.

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
How to Set the Correct pip Path After Upgrading Python

Upgrading your Python version can sometimes lead to confusion, especially when it comes to managing packages with pip. A common concern among developers is ensuring that pip installs dependencies in the right directory after switching Python versions. If you've recently switched to a new version using tools like pyenv, you might find that your installation still references paths associated with the older version. This post will guide you on how to solve that issue effectively.

The Problem

After installing a newer version of Python (for instance, Python 3.9.6) using pyenv, your system may still point to the previous version's pip installation (like Python 3.8.5). This results in confusion when you try to install new packages or manage existing ones, since they're pointing to deprecated directories. This issue can be summarized as:

Using pip install still references the old path: /home/ludo915/.local/lib/python3.8/site-packages

Uncertainty on how to update the path to direct it towards the newly installed version.

The Solution

1. Understand pip's Behavior

Firstly, it's essential to recognize that each Python installation should have its specific pip installation. The primary issue here isn't so much about changing installation paths but rather ensuring you're using the right pip linked to the desired version of Python.

2. Using the Correct Pip Command

Rather than worrying about changing the path manually, the key to resolving this issue lies in how you invoke pip. By using the Python interpreter directly, you can ensure that you are utilizing the correct version of pip for your Python environment. Here's how you can do that:

a. Use the Python Interpreter to Call Pip

Invoke pip through the Python interpreter like so:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Simply replace [package_name] with the name of the package you wish to install. This command will ensure that pip installs packages to the appropriate site-packages directory for the version of Python you are currently using.

b. Check Your Python Version

Before running the command, confirm which version of Python you are set to use. You can check this by executing:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

If the output confirms you're targeting Python 3.9, you're on the right track.

c. Specifying Python Version if Necessary

If your default python still points to an earlier version (for example, 3.8), you can call pip for the specific version with the following command:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

3. Summary of Commands

To summarize your actions, here’s a list of the commands you might use:

Check the default Python version:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Use pip with the current Python interpreter:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Specify if needed:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

Upgrading Python versions and managing packages through pip can be straightforward once you understand how to invoke commands properly. Remember, there should ideally be one installation of pip for each version of Python you have. By using the appropriate command to invoke pip, you can seamlessly manage your packages without confusion or misdirection. Armed with these insights, you can make your Python development workflow much smoother. Happy coding!