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Python Modules, pip and Virtual Environments (venv) Explained for Beginners

P10.3 How to Install Python Packages with pip

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Why. pandas, NumPy and matplotlib are not built in. pip downloads them from PyPI, the Python package library.

What. pip is the Python package installer. Common commands:

Command What it does
python -m pip install pandas install a package
python -m pip install pandas==2.2.2 install an exact version
python -m pip install --upgrade pandas upgrade
python -m pip list show installed packages
python -m pip uninstall pandas remove

How to read this table: each row is one pip command and what it does. Mac users type python3.

How.

Install the data science basics

  1. Open the terminal (activate your venv first — next section).
  2. Run python -m pip install numpy pandas matplotlib.
  3. Wait for "Successfully installed".
  4. Check with a quick import.

Worked example A — Install packages.

Step 1 — What we do. We install the three core libraries in one command.

Step 2 — Type and run this code.

python -m pip install numpy pandas matplotlib

Step 3 — Output you should see.

Successfully installed numpy-2.1.0 pandas-2.2.2 matplotlib-3.9.2 ...

Step 4 — What it means. pip installs each package plus the packages they need.

Worked example B — Check the installed version.

Step 1 — What we do. We confirm NumPy works and see its version.

Step 2 — Type and run this code.

import numpy
print(numpy.__version__ >= "1")

Step 3 — Output you should see.

True

Step 4 — What it means. __version__ holds the version text. If import fails, the package is not installed in this Python.

Worked example C — Install from inside Jupyter.

Step 1 — What we do. In a notebook cell, the %pip magic installs into the notebook's own Python.

Step 2 — Type and run this code.

%pip install seaborn

Step 3 — Output you should see.

Successfully installed seaborn-0.13.2
Note: you may need to restart the kernel to use updated packages.

Step 4 — What it means. Use %pip (not !pip) inside Jupyter so the package lands in the right Python. Then restart the kernel.

Ravindra Bagale's Tip

Only install packages from names you trust. Check spelling carefully — fake look-alike package names exist.