Understanding the Difference Between pip and PyCharm: Managing Python Libraries

Discover why libraries installed using `pip` might differ from those in PyCharm. Learn how virtual environments work and how to manage packages effectively for your Python projects. --- This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/65362029/ asked by the user 'sygneto' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/14831980/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/65362092/ provided by the user 'AwesomeSam' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/14273514/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions. Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: libraries from pycharm vs pip, python 3.8 Also, Content (except music) licensed under CC BY-SA https://meta.stackexchange.com/help/l... The original Question post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license, and the original Answer post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license. If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com. --- Understanding the Difference Between pip and PyCharm: Managing Python Libraries When working with Python, especially in large projects, you may encounter a common scenario where the libraries you see when you run pip list differ from those shown in PyCharm under your project's settings. This can be confusing, particularly if you're trying to figure out where your packages are being installed and how they relate to your projects. In this guide, we'll break this down and provide clarity on how pip and PyCharm work with Python libraries. The Problem You noticed that running the command pip list displays a comprehensive list of installed libraries on your system. However, upon checking your PyCharm settings for a specific project, you see a different set of libraries, with the option to view more available options for that project. This leads to a crucial question: Are you installing libraries globally using pip, while PyCharm installs libraries specific to a selected project? Let’s explain this situation more thoroughly. What is a Virtual Environment? In PyCharm, you typically work within a Virtual Environment (often referred to as venv). Here are a few key points about virtual environments: Isolation: Each virtual environment is isolated from others and your global Python environment. This means when you install a package within a virtual environment, it does not affect or interfere with the global Python installation or other virtual environments. Project Specific: When you create a new project in PyCharm, it often creates a new virtual environment for that project unless you specify otherwise. This is beneficial for managing dependencies and avoiding conflicts between different projects' libraries. How Libraries are Managed Installing Libraries with pip When you use the command: [[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]] This will install the library globally by default, unless you’re operating within a virtual environment. This means that the installed library will be accessible from anywhere within your system. Installing Libraries via PyCharm When you choose to install packages via PyCharm's interface, you're typically doing so within the confines of that project's virtual environment. For instance, if you run: [[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]] in PyCharm, this library only exists within the context of that virtual environment. If you try to use this package outside of PyCharm, it will result in an ImportError because it is not available in the global environment. The Solution to Your Problem If you want to ensure certain packages are available across multiple projects, you have a couple of options: Use Global Installation via Command Prompt: For packages you consistently need across various projects, install them globally using Command Prompt with: [[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]] Project Settings in PyCharm: If you're creating or already have a project in PyCharm and want to make certain packages available to all projects, ensure you select the Make available to all projects option in the project settings. Summary Understanding the distinction between installing libraries globally with pip and utilizing a virtual environment in PyCharm is crucial for effective Python project management. By using virtual environments, you can avoid dependency issues and keep your projects tidy. To summarize: Libraries installed in PyCharm are project-specific unless indicated otherwise. Global installations occur when packages are installed via command line pip without a virtual environment. For cross-project libraries, consider global installations or adjusting PyCharm settings to share libraries.