Install Python Packages Globally vs Locally

Python packages can be installed in two ways: globally or locally. Each method has its use cases and trade-offs. This guide explains both approaches.

What Are Global and Local Installations?

A global installation places packages in your system's Python directory. All users and projects can access them.

A local installation places packages in a specific project's directory. Only that project can use them.

How to Install Packages Globally

Use the pip install command without any flags to install globally. This requires admin rights on most systems.

# Install a package globally
sudo pip install package-name

Collecting package-name
Successfully installed package-name-1.0.0

Global installations are good for tools you use across projects. Examples include black, flake8, or pipx.

For system-wide tools, consider pipx. It isolates global Python applications.

How to Install Packages Locally

Use the --user flag or virtual environments for local installations. This doesn't require admin rights.

# Install for current user only
pip install --user package-name

The package installs in your user directory. Other users on the system won't see it.

Using Virtual Environments

Virtual environments are the best way to manage local packages. They create isolated Python environments.

# Create a virtual environment
python -m venv myenv

# Activate it (Linux/macOS)
source myenv/bin/activate

# Install packages locally
pip install package-name

This keeps packages separate for each project. It prevents version conflicts between projects.

When to Use Global vs Local Installations

Use global installations for:

• Command-line tools used system-wide
• Packages needed by multiple projects
• Development utilities like linters

Use local installations for:

• Project-specific dependencies
• Different package versions per project
• When you don't have admin rights

Checking Installed Packages

Use pip list to see all installed packages. Add --user to see user-local packages.

# List all installed packages
pip list

# List user-local packages
pip list --user

Managing Multiple Python Versions

If you need multiple Python versions, use pyenv. It helps manage different versions easily.

For WSL users, see our guide on installing Python on WSL.

Best Practices

Follow these tips for better package management:

• Use virtual environments for projects
• Only install globally what you need system-wide
• Document dependencies in requirements.txt
• Consider pipx for global applications

Conclusion

Global installations work for system tools. Local installations are better for project dependencies. Virtual environments offer the cleanest approach.

Choose the right method based on your needs. For most projects, local installations with virtual environments are recommended.