Guide · Open source
How to use pipx: install and run Python apps in isolation
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
pipx is a command-line tool for installing Python applications, with each application placed in its own separate environment. This guide explains what pipx is for, what you need before installing it, and how to decide when it is the right choice. The source material for this page is limited, so commands are only included where the project documents them.
pipxpypa/pipx · ★ 13k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Confirm Python 3 is installed. pipx requires Python 3. Check that a Python 3 installation is available on your system before continuing.
- 2Get the project source. Clone the repository from GitHub using the command in the README to get a local copy of pipx.
- 3Read the official instructions. Visit pipx.pypa.io for the current installation and usage steps, since the source material does not cover them in full.
- 4Install your chosen command-line app. Use pipx to install a Python command-line tool so it runs in its own environment, keeping it separate from your system Python.
- 5Run the app from the terminal. Once installed, run the application from the terminal like any other command.
What pipx does and why it isolates apps
pipx installs Python applications so that each one gets its own environment. This stops an app's dependencies from clashing with each other or with your system Python.
People use it to install Python tools they want to run from the terminal without setting up and managing virtual environments by hand.
Check the requirements before you install
The project lists Python 3 as its prerequisite. You need a working Python 3 installation on your machine before pipx will run.
pipx is licensed under the MIT licence and is written in Python.
Get the pipx source from GitHub
The README in the source material gives a clone command for the repository. Cloning gives you a local copy of the pipx project at github.com/pypa/pipx.
The source material does not document the full installation steps. For the current official instructions, see the project homepage at pipx.pypa.io.
git clone https://github.com/pypa/pipxDecide when pipx is the right tool
pipx suits developers who install Python command-line tools such as linters or formatters, and people who want global Python tools kept apart from project dependencies. It also suits running a Python app once without permanently installing it.
pipx is not meant for importing Python libraries into your own code. For that, use a virtual environment or a package manager.
- Good fit: command-line tools like linters or formatters
- Good fit: keeping global tools separate from project dependencies
- Good fit: running an app once without a permanent install
- Poor fit: importing libraries into your own code
- Poor fit: machines with no Python and no interest in Python tooling
Troubleshooting and next steps
If pipx does not run, first confirm that Python 3 is installed and available on your path. The source material does not list other troubleshooting steps, so check the project homepage and README for current guidance.
If you need a library rather than an application, a virtual environment or a package manager is the better tool.
What people use it for
- Installing a Python linter or formatter for use across several projects
- Keeping global Python command-line tools apart from project dependencies
- Running a Python application once without a permanent install
- Avoiding manual virtual environment setup for terminal tools
Frequently asked questions
Is pipx free to use?
pipx is released under the MIT licence, which is a permissive open-source licence. The source material does not mention any price.
What do I need to run pipx?
The project lists Python 3 as the prerequisite. Install Python 3 first, then follow the official instructions at pipx.pypa.io.
What is pipx used for?
pipx installs Python applications, such as command-line tools, each in its own isolated environment. This keeps their dependencies from conflicting with each other or with your system Python.
Can I use pipx to install Python libraries for my code?
No. pipx is meant for applications, not libraries. For importing libraries into your own code, use a virtual environment or a package manager.
What are the alternatives to pipx?
The source material does not list comparable projects. It does name virtual environments and package managers as the tools to use for libraries.
Where can I get pipx?
The source material includes a clone command for the GitHub repository at github.com/pypa/pipx. The project homepage is pipx.pypa.io.
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Our verdict
pipx suits developers and terminal users who want Python command-line tools kept in their own environments without managing virtual environments by hand. If you need to import libraries into your own code, or you have no interest in Python tooling, pick a virtual environment or a package manager instead.
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