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Python Language

Clearing the Pip Cache and Installing a Package in a Virtual Environment​

pip3 cache purge
python3 -m venv cache_venv
source cache_venv/bin/activate
pip install package

Explanation​

This set of commands purges the existing cache for pip and installs a Python package in a newly created virtual environment. Below is a detailed breakdown of each command:

  • pip3 cache purge: Clears all cached packages stored by pip to free up space or ensure a fresh installation of dependencies.
  • python3 -m venv cache_venv: Creates a new Python virtual environment named cache_venv to isolate dependencies for the project.
  • source cache_venv/bin/activate: Activates the virtual environment, switching the terminal to use the isolated Python and pip versions within the environment.
  • pip install package: Installs the specified Python package (replace package with the actual package name) in the activated virtual environment.

This approach ensures a clean environment for managing Python dependencies, avoiding conflicts with system-wide packages or previously cached versions.

Export and Install Python Package Dependencies​

pip freeze > requirements.txt
pip install -r requirements.txt

Explanation​

These commands manage the dependencies of your Python project by exporting and reinstalling packages. Here’s a breakdown of the command sequence:

  • pip freeze > requirements.txt: Creates a requirements.txt file that lists all currently installed packages and their versions. This file allows for easy recreation of the same environment by specifying exact versions.

  • pip install -r requirements.txt: Installs the packages listed in requirements.txt to replicate the project environment on another machine or after a fresh setup.

This approach is particularly useful for ensuring consistency across development environments, allowing team members or production systems to install identical dependencies as in the original setup.