Install Pip on Linux Mint 20 - step by step guide ?

Linux Tutorial

Pip is a tool for installing Python packages. With pip, you can search, download, and install packages from Python Package Index (PyPI) and other package indexes. With the help of pip, you can also install the package of a particular version. Most importantly pip has a feature to manage full lists of packages and corresponding version numbers, possible through a "requirements" file. It performs the same basic job as an easy install, but with some extra features.

Here at Ibmi Media, as part of our Server Management Services, we regularly help our Customers to perform related Python queries.

In this context, we shall look into how to install Pip on Linux Mint 20.

What is PIP for Python?

PIP is an acronym that stands for "PIP Installs Packages" or "Preferred Installer Program". It's a command-line utility that allows you to install, reinstall, or uninstall PyPI packages with a simple and straightforward command: pip.

Is PIP Installed With Python?

If you're using Python 2.7.9 (or greater) or Python 3.4 (or greater), then PIP comes installed with Python by default. If you're using an older version of Python, you'll need to use the installation steps below. Otherwise, skip to the bottom to learn how to start using PIP.

If you're running Python in a virtual environment created with either virtualenv or pyvenv, then PIP will be available regardless of the Python version.

Steps to Install Pip on Linux Mint 20

1. Perform System Update

To begin, it's important to make sure your system is up to date by running these following apt commands in the terminal:

$ sudo apt update

2. Install Pip on the system

i. Install PIP for Python 3

Now to install PIP on Linux Mint using the following command:

$ sudo apt install python3-pip

Once the installation of PIP is finished, you can verify it by making use of the following command in terminal:

$ pip3 --version

ii. Install PIP for Python 2

Now to install PIP on Linux Mint, do the following,

First, add the required repository:

$ sudo add-apt-repository universe
$ sudo apt update

After updating the package manager index to install PIP for Python 2 enter following in the terminal:

$ sudo apt install python2

To verify if PIP is successfully installed, run the following command:

$ python --version

How to use pip command ?

After installing the python-pip package, the pip command will be available on the system. There are multiple options available with the pip command.

To install the new python package type:

$ pip install Package_Names

For example, to install scrapy through Pip you would run the following command:

$ pip install scrapy

To uninstall python package installed by pip type:

$ pip uninstall Package_Names

To search python package type:

$ pip search Package_Names

For more Pip options and usage examples you can use the –help flag:

[root@linuxapt.com ~]# pip --help

Usage:

pip <command></command> [options]
Commands:
install Install packages.
uninstall Uninstall packages.
freeze Output installed packages in requirements format.
list List installed packages.
show Show information about installed packages.
search Search PyPI for packages.
wheel Build wheels from your requirements.
zip DEPRECATED. Zip individual packages.
unzip DEPRECATED. Unzip individual packages.
bundle DEPRECATED. Create pybundles.
help Show help for commands.
General Options:
-h, --help Show help.
-v, --verbose Give more output. Option is additive, and can be used up to 3 times.
-V, --version Show version and exit.
-q, --quiet Give less output.
--log-file Path to a verbose non-appending log, that only logs failures. This
log is active by default at /home/sharad/.pip/pip.log.
--log Path to a verbose appending log. This log is inactive by default.
--proxy Specify a proxy in the form [user:passwd@]proxy.server:port.
--timeout Set the socket timeout (default 15 seconds).
--exists-action Default action when a path already exists: (s)witch, (i)gnore,
(w)ipe, (b)ackup.
--cert Path to alternate CA bundle.
[root@linuxapt.com ~]#