Python: how to edit an installed package?

Question

I installed some package via pip install something. I want to edit the source code for the package something. Where is it (on ubuntu 12.04) and how do I make it reload each time I edit the source code and run it?

Currently I am editing the source code, and then running python setup.py again and again, which turns out to be quite a hassle.

Answer 1

You can edit the files installed in /usr/local/lib/python2.7/dist-packages/. Do note that you will have to use sudo or become root. The better option would be to use virtual environment for your development. Then you can edit the files installed with your permissions inside your virtual environment.

Answer 2

You should never edit an installed package. Instead, install a forked version of package.

If you need to edit the code frequently, DO NOT install the package via pip install something and edit the code in '.../site_packages/...'

Instead, put the source code under a development directory, and install it with

python setup.py develop
# or
pip install -e path/to/SomePackage
# Or use a vcs at the first place
$ pip install -e git+https://github.com/lakshmivyas/hyde.git#egg=hyde

Put your changes in a version control system, and tell pip to install it explicitly.

Reference: Edit mode