Difference between pip and pipx

Sep 19, 2025

Cowrie

Dev @ Bswen

1. Purpose

In this note, I’ll explain the differences between two common Python tools: pip and pipx. We’ll see when to use each, with examples, so you can decide which fits your workflow better.

2. Environment / Assumptions

• You have Python ≥ 3.8 installed.
• You are comfortable with terminal / command line usage.
• You know what virtual environments are (or at least the idea: isolating dependencies).
• You are working on macOS or Linux (though most content applies to Windows too, with some minor path differences).

3. What are pip and pipx?

Pip

Important Concept

pip is the standard package installer for Python. It handles installing, upgrading, uninstalling Python packages from the Python Package Index (PyPI) or other sources. It is focused on libraries/modules you import into your code.

Common use cases:

• Installing libraries like requests, numpy, flask etc.
• Managing dependencies for a project via requirements.txt or via pyproject.toml (if using build backends that support that).
• Upgrading or uninstalling packages.

Basic usage examples:

# install a library
pip install requests

# install specific version
pip install Flask==2.2.2

# install from a requirements file
pip install -r requirements.txt

# upgrade a package
pip install --upgrade numpy

# uninstall
pip uninstall requests

# list installed packages
pip list

Pipx

Important Concept

pipx is a tool designed for installing and running Python command-line applications (CLI tools) in an isolated way. Each app gets its own virtual environment managed by pipx behind the scenes. The goal: you can have globally accessible CLI tools without creating dependency conflicts or cluttering your system Python environment.

Common use cases:

• Tools like black, httpie, flake8 that you want to run from anywhere via the terminal.
• Running tools temporarily without permanently installing them.
• Ensuring that different CLI tools with overlapping or conflicting dependencies can co-exist safely.

Basic usage examples:

# first, install pipx (if not already)
python -m pip install --user pipx
pipx ensurepath   # ensure pipx’s bin directories are in PATH

# install a CLI tool
pipx install black

# run the installed tool
black --help

# list what pipx has installed
pipx list

# install a tool temporarily (run once, no permanent install)
pipx run httpie --help

# install a tool pointing to a specific python version
pipx install --python python3.9 mytool

4. Key Differences: pip vs pipx

Here is a simple diagram show the key differences between pip and pipx:

Here’s a side-by-side comparison, along several dimensions.

Feature	pip	pipx
Primary role	General purpose installer: install libraries/modules for import in your Python code	Install & manage CLI tools / applications, not just libraries
Ease of uninstall / cleanup	You manage cleanup manually; if installed globally, risk of leaving old or conflicting artifacts	pipx uninstall removes tool plus associated virtual environment cleanly; list of installed tools managed by pipx

5. When to Use Which

Here are some scenarios to help decide:

Scenario	Use pip	Use pipx
You’re developing a web application, need Django and requests	✅	—
You want black code formatter usable from any project or shell	—	✅
You want to avoid messing up system Python environment with many tools	—	✅
You have a project with lots of libraries and dependencies, need fine-tuned control over versions and environments	✅	maybe also, but pipx not designed for managing project dependencies deeply

6. Examples of Misuse / Pitfalls

• Installing libraries via pip globally without virtual environments can lead to version conflicts or permissions issues.
• Installing CLI tools via pip globally may cause overlapping dependencies: e.g., two tools need different versions of a dependency → one may break.
• Forgetting to add pipx’s bin directory to your PATH → installed tools aren’t accessible.
• Using pipx for libraries you import in code → not suitable: pipx refuses or gives a warning because no entry point.

7. Summary

• pip remains the fundamental tool in Python’s ecosystem: for libraries, dependencies, project setups.
• pipx complements pip: it’s specialized for installing and running CLI applications in an isolated, less error-prone way.

In many workflows, you’ll use both. Use pip for the libraries your code depends on; use pipx for tools you want everywhere, especially command-line tools.

Final Words + More Resources

My intention with this article was to help others share my knowledge and experience. If you want to contact me, you can contact by email: Email me

Here are also the most important links from this article along with some further resources that will help you in this scope:

• 👨‍💻 pipx github
• 👨‍💻 pip

Oh, and if you found these resources useful, don’t forget to support me by starring the repo on GitHub!

Tags:

• python

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