pip
pip.pypa.io
What it is
pip installs Python packages from PyPI and other package indexes, as well as from version control URLs, local project directories, and source archives. It supports source distributions and wheels, resolves dependencies, and can install an environment specified in a requirements file. Its install command can produce a JSON report of installed packages. pip runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and the current version supports CPython 3.10 through 3.15 and the latest PyPy3. Other operating systems and Python versions are not supported by its maintainers. It is commonly included in virtual environments and Python downloads from python.org; ensurepip and get-pip.py are also installation options. An experimental standalone zip application is available, but its documentation advises against production use. pip is free. It does not collect telemetry, though it sends non-identifying details such as Python version and operating system to the remote indexes it accesses. Remote tampering checks are not enabled by default; hash-checking mode and binary-only installs are listed as more secure options.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- pip is the package installer for Python and can install packages from PyPI and other indexes.Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Free plan
- YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Security
- The documentation says pip does not check for remote tampering by default, but hash-checking mode and binary-only installs can provide a more secure installation method.Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Privacy
- pip says it does not collect telemetry, but it sends non-identifying environment information such as Python version and OS to remote indexes it uses.Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Support
- The documentation directs users seeking help to GitHub Issues, the Discourse channel, and User IRC.Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Authentication
- pip supports basic HTTP authentication, credentials from a .netrc file, and credentials stored in keyring when configured.Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Dependency resolution
- pip can determine and install package dependencies, and its resolver can backtrack when version choices are incompatible.Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Experimental format
- The standalone zip application is experimental and the documentation says it should not be used in production environments.Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Installation
- pip is usually installed automatically in virtual environments and with Python downloaded from python.org.Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Installation options
- pip is commonly installed with Python and can also be installed using ensurepip or get-pip.py.Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Installation report
- The install command offers a report option to generate a JSON report of what pip installed.Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Lockfile support
- YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Offline installation
- YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Package building
- pip delegates building source distribution packages to a build backend when needed.Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Package formats
- sdist,wheelRead 22 Sep 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Package sources
- pip looks at PyPI by default and can install packages from other Python package repositories.Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Platform support
- The current pip version works on Windows, Linux, and macOS.Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Private registry auth
- YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Python compatibility
- The current version supports CPython 3.10 through 3.15 and the latest PyPy3; other operating systems and Python versions are not supported by pip’s maintainers.Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Requirements files
- pip supports requirements files as a way to specify a whole environment to install.Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Security contact
- The documentation says security issues should be reported to [email protected].Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Security reporting
- The documentation directs users to report security issues to [email protected].Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Standalone option
- pip is available as an experimental standalone zip application, which the documentation says should not be used in production environments.Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Supported platforms
- The current pip version is supported on Windows, Linux, and macOS, and maintainers do not support other operating systems.Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Telemetry
- pip does not collect telemetry, but sends non-identifying environment information such as Python version and operating system to remote indexes it uses.Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
- Version control
- pip supports installing packages from Git, Mercurial, Subversion, and Bazaar repositories.Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
Plans and prices
pip Free No paid plans or usage limits are stated on the opened documentation pages Read 5 Oct 2026 · pip.pypa.io
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Installs source distributions and wheels.
- Resolves dependencies and supports lockfiles.
- Can install offline.
- Supports private registry authentication.
- Free, with no paid plans stated.
Limits
- Maintainers do not support other Python versions or operating systems.
- Standalone zip application is experimental and not for production.
- Remote tampering checks are off by default.
Who it suits
pip suits Python users who need to install packages from indexes, repositories, or local sources, including those managing environments with requirements files. Its supported Python versions and operating systems are relevant when selecting an installer.
Verdict
pip covers common Python package installation sources and environment workflows, with support for dependency resolution, lockfiles, and offline installation. Check the supported Python versions and the default remote-tampering behavior before relying on it.
Where Specifiction places it
- Package Managers#7 of 938.8
- Python Package Managers#3 of 278.3
