Python is one of the most popular programming language for data science and analytics. It is widely used for a variety of tasks in startups and many multi-national organizations. The beauty of this programming language is that it is open-source which means it is available for free and has very active community of developers across the world. Python developers share their solutions in the form of package or module with other python users. This tutorial explains various ways how to install python package.
Ways to Install Python Package
Method 1 : If Anaconda is already installed on your System
Anacondais the data science platform which comes with pre-installed popular python packages and powerful IDE (Spyder) which has user-friendly interface to ease writing of python programming scripts.
If Anaconda is installed on your system (laptop), click on Anaconda Promptas shown in the image below. |
| Anaconda Prompt |
To install a python package or module, enter the code below in Anaconda Prompt -
pip install package-name
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| Install Python Package using PIP Windows |
Method 2 : NO Need of Anaconda
1. Open RUN box using shortcut Windows Key + R
2. Enter cmd in the RUN box
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| Command Prompt |
Once you press OK, it will show command prompt screen.
3. Search for folder named Scripts where pip applications are stored.
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| Scripts Folder |
4. In command prompt, type cd <file location of Scripts folder>
cd refers to change directory.
For example, folder location isC:\Users\DELL\Python37\Scripts so you need to enter the following line in command prompt :
cdC:\Users\DELL\Python37\Scripts
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| Change Directory |
5. Type pip install package-name
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| Install Package via PIP command prompt |
Method 3 : Install Python Package from IPython console
Make sure to use ! before pip when you enter the command below in IPython console window. Otherwise it would return syntax error.
!pip install package_name
The ! prefix tells Python to run a shell command.
Syntax Error : Installing Package using PIP
Some users face error "SyntaxError: invalid syntax" in installing packages. To workaround this issue, run the command line below in command prompt -
python -m pip install package-name
python -m pip tells python to import a module for you, then run it as a script.
Install Specific Versions of Python Package
python -m pip install Packagename==1.3 # specific version
python -m pip install "Packagename>=1.3" # version greater than or equal to 1.3
How to load or import package or module
Once package is installed, next step is to make the package in use. In other words, it is required to import package once installed. There are several ways to load package or module in Python :
1. import math loads the module math. Then you can use any function defined in math module using math.function. Refer the example below -
import math
math.sqrt(4)
2. from math import * loads the module math. Now we don't need to specify the module to use functions of this module.
from math import *
sqrt(4)
3. from math import sqrt, cos imports the selected functions of the module math.
4.import math as m imports the math module under the alias m.
m.sqrt(4)
Other Useful Commands
| Description | Command |
|---|---|
| To uninstall a package | pip uninstall package |
| To upgrade a package | pip install --upgrade package |
| To search a package | pip search "package-name" |
| To check all the installed packages | pip list |
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About Author:
Deepanshu founded ListenData with a simple objective - Make analytics easy to understand and follow. He has over 10 years of experience in data science. During his tenure, he worked with global clients in various domains like Banking, Insurance, Private Equity, Telecom and HR.
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As a seasoned expert in data science and Python programming, I bring over a decade of experience to the table. Throughout my career, I have actively engaged in diverse projects spanning industries such as Banking, Insurance, Private Equity, Telecom, and HR. My expertise lies not only in the theoretical aspects of data science but also in hands-on applications, making me well-versed in the tools and languages commonly used in the field.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article on installing Python packages.
1. Python for Data Science and Analytics: The article rightly emphasizes Python's popularity in the field of data science and analytics. Python has become a preferred language for these domains due to its versatility, readability, and extensive library support, particularly in areas like machine learning and data manipulation.
2. Open-Source Nature of Python: The article highlights the open-source nature of Python, underscoring its accessibility to a global community of developers. This characteristic fosters collaboration and the sharing of solutions through packages or modules.
3. Anaconda as a Data Science Platform: Anaconda is introduced as a data science platform with pre-installed popular Python packages and the Spyder IDE. This platform simplifies the setup process for data science tasks, making it convenient for users to get started with essential tools.
4. Installing Python Packages with pip: The article provides three methods to install Python packages. The first method involves using Anaconda, the second method is for users without Anaconda, and the third method demonstrates installation from the IPython console.
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Method 1 (Anaconda):
- Utilizes the Anaconda Prompt.
- Users execute
pip install package-nameto install a Python package.
-
Method 2 (No Anaconda):
- Involves the Command Prompt.
- Users navigate to the Scripts folder and execute
pip install package-name.
-
Method 3 (IPython Console):
- Users use
!pip install package_namewith the exclamation mark indicating a shell command.
- Users use
5. Dealing with Syntax Errors:
The article addresses potential syntax errors during package installation in the IPython console. It suggests using python -m pip install package-name to overcome this issue.
6. Installing Specific Versions of Packages:
Users are provided with commands to install specific versions of Python packages using python -m pip install Packagename==1.3 or with version constraints.
7. Importing Packages or Modules: Once a package is installed, the article explains different ways to import it:
import math: Imports the entire module.from math import *: Imports all functions, eliminating the need to specify the module.from math import sqrt, cos: Selectively imports specific functions.import math as m: Imports the module under the aliasm.
8. Additional Commands:
The article includes additional commands for managing packages, such as uninstalling (pip uninstall package), upgrading (pip install --upgrade package), searching (pip search "package-name"), and listing installed packages (pip list).
In conclusion, the tutorial provides a comprehensive guide for installing, managing, and importing Python packages, catering to both Anaconda and non-Anaconda users while addressing potential issues like syntax errors.
