How to Install pip on Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide for Python Users

pip, which stands for pip Installs Packages, is a package management system for installing Python dependencies. This article will explain how to install pip on an Ubuntu virtual private server (VPS) and the basic pip commands for managing Python packages on your system.

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What is pip?

pip Installs Packages (pip) is a Python package manager for installing, updating, and removing modules. It lets you select a specific software version, isolate packages in Python virtual environments, and automatically check dependencies. Due to its benefits, pip is the top software for setting up a hosting environment for Python projects.

Prerequisites For Installing pip on Ubuntu

Before proceeding with the steps, ensure you have a VPS running a newer version of the Ubuntu operating system, like 24.04. Otherwise, the installation commands might be different. Hostinger’s VPS hosting supports various operating systems and software, ensuring smooth pip installation and Python deployment processes. Our VPS plans are suitable for beginners with minimal technical knowledge and experts who require full control over their hosting environment.

How to Install pip on Ubuntu

1. Connect to Your VPS and Create a New Account

To run commands on your VPS, connect to the system via the secure shell (SSH) protocol. After installing PuTTY, open the application and enter your VPS IP address. Click Open and log in as the root user. Since using root for running Linux commands can be risky due to the lack of confirmation, let’s create a new superuser.

2. Update Your System Package Repository

Start by updating your system repository package list to ensure you get the latest software version. Here’s how to do so on Ubuntu:

3. Install the Python pip Package

To work correctly, the pip package manager requires Python as the interpreter. Since the programming language is usually pre-configured in Ubuntu, run this command to check if your system has it:

4. Use pip to Manage Python Packages

Before using pip to install packages, let’s learn how it works. Unlike Linux’s default package managers that fetch software from the operating system’s repository, this tool uses the more comprehensive Python Package Index (PyPI). When installing Python packages, pip automatically checks whether all the dependencies are already configured. Otherwise, it installs them first to ensure compatibility and functionality.

Conclusion

pip lets you easily manage Python software packages to prepare your hosting environment before deployment. In this tutorial, we have explained how to install this tool on an Ubuntu server. After purchasing a Linux VPS hosting plan from Hostinger and installing Ubuntu 24.04, follow these steps:

How to Install Python pip on Ubuntu FAQ

To deepen your understanding, this section will answer several questions about installing pip on an Ubuntu machine.

What Is the Command to Check if pip Is Installed on Ubuntu?

To check whether pip is installed, query its version using the pip3 –version command. If your command-line interface returns a number, the software is configured correctly. Otherwise, it will output the “command not found” error.

Are There Any Dependencies for Installing pip on Ubuntu?

Yes. Before installing pip3 on Ubuntu, configure the Python 3 package using the apt install python3 command. Remember to install the correct pip version since pip3 only works on Python 3 environments.

How Do I Update pip on Ubuntu?

To update pip, run the pip3 install –upgrade command in your Terminal. It will fetch the newer version from PyPI instead of your system’s default repository, meaning you don’t need to run apt update beforehand.

Aris is a Content Writer specializing in Linux and WordPress development. He has a passion for networking, front-end web development, and server administration. By combining his IT and writing experience, Aris creates content that helps people easily understand complex technical topics to start their online journey. Follow him on LinkedIn.

Hasna is passionate about tech, culture, and the written word. She hopes to create content that helps people succeed on the web. When not writing, rearranging, or polishing sentences, she enjoys live music and overanalyzing movies.

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