How to install pip with Python 3?

Python’s popularity owes a lot to its powerful package manager, pip, which allows you to install and manage third-party libraries easily. Most modern Python 3 installations include pip by default, but if yours doesn’t, here’s how to get it up and running quickly. We’ll also share a few resources that can help you level up your Python skills.

1. Check if pip is Already Installed

First, see if pip is already installed on your system. In your terminal (Linux/macOS) or command prompt (Windows), run:

python3 -m pip --version

If you see a version number (e.g., pip 23.0.1 from ...), pip is already installed. You can skip the rest of this installation process.

2. Install pip on Linux/macOS

Update Your Package Manager:
- For Debian/Ubuntu:
```
sudo apt-get update
```
- For macOS (Homebrew):
```
brew update
```

Install Python 3 and pip:

For Debian/Ubuntu:

sudo apt-get install python3 python3-pip

For Fedora:
```
sudo dnf install python3 python3-pip
```
For macOS (Homebrew):
```
brew install python3
```

Verify pip Installation:
```
python3 -m pip --version
```

3. Install pip on Windows

Download Python Installer
Go to the official Python website and download the latest Python 3 installer for Windows.
Enable “Add Python to PATH”
When installing, check the box labeled “Add Python to PATH.” This ensures Python and pip commands are recognized in the Command Prompt.
Verify Installation
Once installed, open the Command Prompt and run:
```
python --version
pip --version
```
You should see the version numbers if everything is set up correctly.

4. Installing pip Manually with `get-pip.py` (Fallback Method)

If, for some reason, your system still lacks pip after following the above steps, you can manually install it using get-pip.py:

Download get-pip.py
Visit https://bootstrap.pypa.io/get-pip.py in a browser and save it to your system.
Run get-pip.py:
```
python3 get-pip.py
```
This script will install the latest version of pip for you.

5. Managing Packages with pip

Once pip is installed, you can install Python libraries like so:

python3 -m pip install requests

To upgrade pip itself:

python3 -m pip install --upgrade pip

6. Leveling Up Your Python Skills

Installing pip is just the start of your Python journey. Whether you’re a beginner or preparing for advanced roles, these courses from DesignGurus.io can help:

Grokking Python Fundamentals
A comprehensive guide to learning Python from scratch, covering everything from basic syntax to best practices for structuring your code and working with packages.
Grokking the Coding Interview: Patterns for Coding Questions
Ideal if you’re preparing to ace technical interviews. Learn how to break down common coding challenges using tried-and-true patterns, with examples in Python and other languages.

7. Expanding into System Design

For developers targeting top-tier companies, system design knowledge is crucial. If you want to go beyond code and learn how to architect large-scale, robust systems:

Grokking System Design Fundamentals
Gain a solid grounding in high-level design principles, scalability, and distributed systems.
Grokking the System Design Interview
Perfect for interview preparation, especially if you’re heading into discussions about scaling, microservices, and complex architecture patterns.

You can also explore free video tutorials on the DesignGurus YouTube Channel, like:

How to Answer Any System Design Interview Question

Final Thoughts

Installing pip for Python 3 is usually straightforward, especially on modern systems where it’s bundled with Python. If you run into issues, the manual approach using get-pip.py should help. Once installed, pip becomes your gateway to an extensive ecosystem of packages and libraries—essential for both fun hobby projects and enterprise-grade applications.

With pip at your fingertips and a wealth of Python educational resources from DesignGurus.io, you’re well on your way to becoming a proficient developer ready to tackle coding interviews and advanced system design challenges alike.

Happy coding!