Difference between 'python setup.py install

Question

I have an external package I want to install into my python virtualenv from a tar file. What is the best way to install the package?

I've discovered 2 ways that can do it:

1. Extract the tar file, then run python setup.py install inside of the extracted directory.
2. pip install packagename.tar.gz from example # 7 in https://pip.pypa.io/en/stable/reference/pip_install/#examples

Is if there is any difference doing them in these 2 ways.

Answer 1

On the surface, both do the same thing: doing either python setup.py install or pip install <PACKAGE-NAME> will install your python package for you, with a minimum amount of fuss.

However, using pip offers some additional advantages that make it much nicer to use.

• pip will automatically download all dependencies for a package for you. In contrast, if you use setup.py, you often have to manually search out and download dependencies, which is tedious and can become frustrating.
• pip keeps track of various metadata that lets you easily uninstall and update packages with a single command: pip uninstall <PACKAGE-NAME> and pip install --upgrade <PACKAGE-NAME>. In contrast, if you install a package using setup.py, you have to manually delete and maintain a package by hand if you want to get rid of it, which could be potentially error-prone.
• You no longer have to manually download your files. If you use setup.py, you have to visit the library's website, figure out where to download it, extract the file, run setup.py... In contrast, pip will automatically search the Python Package Index (PyPi) to see if the package exists there, and will automatically download, extract, and install the package for you. With a few exceptions, almost every single genuinely useful Python library can be found on PyPi.
• pip will let you easily install wheels, which is the new standard of Python distribution. More info about wheels.
• pip offers additional benefits that integrate well with using virtualenv, which is a program that lets you run multiple projects that require conflicting libraries and Python versions on your computer. More info.
• pip is bundled by default with Python as of Python 2.7.9 on the Python 2.x series, and as of Python 3.4.0 on the Python 3.x series, making it even easier to use.

So basically, use pip. It only offers improvements over using python setup.py install.

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If you're using an older version of Python, can't upgrade, and don't have pip installed, you can find more information about installing pip at the following links:

• Official instructions on installing pip for all operating systems
• Instructions on installing pip on Windows (including solutions to common problems)
• Instructions on installing pip for Mac OX

pip, by itself, doesn't really require a tutorial. 90% of the time, the only command you really need is pip install <PACKAGE-NAME>. That said, if you're interested in learning more about the details of what exactly you can do with pip, see:

• Quickstart guide
• Official documentation.

It is also commonly recommended that you use pip and virtualenv together. If you're a beginner to Python, I personally think it'd be fine to start of with just using pip and install packages globally, but eventually I do think you should transition to using virtualenv as you tackle more serious projects.

If you'd like to learn more about using pip and virtualenv together, see:

• Why you should be using pip and virtualenv
• A non-magical introduction to Pip and Virtualenv for Python beginners
• Virtual Environments

Answer 2

python setup.py install is the analog of make install: it’s a limited way to compile and copy files to destination directories. This doesn’t mean that it’s the best way to really install software on your system.

pip is a package manager, which can install, upgrade, list and uninstall packages, like familiar package managers including: dpkg, apt, yum, urpmi, ports etc. Under the hood, it will run python setup.py install, but with specific options to control how and where things end up installed.

In summary: use pip.