Introduction
Pip is a package manager for the Python programming language. Pip makes it easier to install plugins and other software packages for Python.
There are two versions – the most recent version is for Python 3, and there is a legacy version for the older Python 2.
This guide will show you how to install Pip for Python 2 and Python 3 on CentOS 8.
Prerequisites
- A system with CentOS 8 installed
- A user account with sudo or root privileges
- Access to a command line or terminal window (Activities > Search > Terminal)
Installing Pip for Python 3
Python 3 is the most recent, stable, long-term supported version of Python. If you don’t specifically need Python 2 for compatibility with older applications, it’s recommended to use Python 3.
Step 1: Update System Repositories
To update system repositories, open a terminal window and enter the following command:
sudo yum update
This will refresh the local list of available software packages. If yum update
hasn’t been run recently, it may take a few minutes to install updates.
Note: For some updates, such as security keys, you may be prompted to confirm the installation with y
> Enter.
Step 2: Install Python 3
Some newer versions of CentOS 8 include Python 3 by default. If the system already has Python 3 installed, skip this step.
To install Python 3, open a terminal window and enter the command:
sudo yum –y install python3
Step 3: Install Pip for Python 3
To install Pip for Python 3 open the terminal window, enter the following:
sudo yum –y install python3-pip
Note: Your system may already have Python3-pip installed. If so, the output will report that there is nothing to do.
Step 4: Confirm Pip is Installed
One way to test whether an application is installed is by checking its version number. To check the version of Pip 3, enter:
pip3 –V
The output displays the pip3 version installed on your system.
Note: Make sure to use a capital –V
. A lower-case –v
will display an error and list of commands.
Installing Pip for Python 2
CentOS 8 allows you to install multiple versions of Python at the same time. You can install Python 2 in parallel to an existing Python 3 installation.
Step 1: Update Repositories
If you updated the repositories in the previous section, skip to the next step.
Update repositories with the command:
sudo yum update
Note: Some packages, such as security updates, will prompt you to confirm the installation by typing y
and hitting Enter.
Step 2: Install Pip 2
To install Pip2, open the terminal window, enter the command:
sudo yum –y install python2-pip
Note: If Python 2 isn’t installed, this step will install it. Python 2 is a dependency for the pip2 package.
Step 3: Verify the Installation
Check the version of pip2 to verify that it is installed on your Centos 8 system:
pip2 –V
The system should display the version of pip2.
Note: If you’re concerned that Python 2 may not have been installed, verify the installation by entering sudo yum –y install python2
. The system should report nothing to do.
Conclusion
You have installed Pip for Python 2 and Python 3 on your CentOS 8 system. Use Pip to manage the most popular Python packages easily.
Get started with a basic script like getting the current time and date in Python.
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Author
Nevena Pavlicic
Nevena Pavlicic is an aspiring Technical Writer at PhoenixNAP with experience in writing user manuals and blog posts. She has always enjoyed researching and building knowledge on cutting edge technologies, but she is also passionate about simplifying complex concepts.