Troubleshooting Pip Not Found Error: Guide for Beginners

Have you ever encountered the dreaded error message pip command not found while trying to use a package manager in Python? Whether you are a seasoned developer or a beginner, understanding how to resolve this issue is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the common reasons why pip might not be found, potential solutions, and the steps to ensure your environment is set up correctly.

Why Is the Pip Command Not Found?

The pip command not being found can be attributed to several common issues. Let's explore each reason and provide actionable solutions to resolve them.

1. Pip Is Not Installed

If you do not have pip installed, it is, of course, not recognized as a command. Here’s how you can install pip and ensure it is available in your command-line:

Download the Script: Visit and download the script to your local machine. Run the Installer: Open your command-line interface (CLI) and navigate to the location where you saved the file. Execute the Command: Run the following command to install pip:

python 

After the installation is complete, you should be able to use the pip command without any issues.

2. Path Not in PATH

If you are trying to use pip without specifying its full or relative path, you might encounter the error pip command not found. This typically happens if the directory containing the pip executable is not included in your system's PATH environment variable.

Find the Path to Pip: Open the command-line interface and type the following command to find the full path to pip:

which pip

Add the Path to PATH Variable: If the path is not found, it means the directory is not in your PATH. Add it manually: Open the system settings or environment variables settings. Locate the Path environment variable and add the directory containing pip. Save the changes and restart your command-line interface.

After setting the path correctly, you can use the pip command directly in your CLI.

3. Incorrectly Named Pip

Another reason for the pip command not found error is a misconfiguration in the path or a custom naming of the pip executable. For instance, you might have pip3 or a different version.

Check the Version: Run the following command to check if you have an alternative version of pip:

pip3 --version

Use the Correct Command: If you have pip3, use it instead of pip:

pip3 install packagename

Ensure you have the correct command to use based on the version you have installed.

Note: If you are on a macOS or Linux system, you might need to install pip using the package manager (e.g., apt or brew) instead of the script.

Why Is PIP Not Recognized in CMD?

For those working with the command prompt (CMD) on Windows, the process is slightly different. Here are the steps to ensure pip is recognized in CMD:

1. Install Python

Before you can use pip, you need to have Python installed. You can download the latest version from the official Python website.

2. Add the Path to Environment Variables

After installing Python, you need to add the Python Scripts directory to the Path environment variable:

Open System Properties: Right-click on My Computer or This PC, select Properties Advanced system settings Environment Variables. Modify the Path Variable: In the Environment Variables window, find the Path variable under User variables or System variables. Click Edit, then click New and add the path to the Python Scripts directory (e.g., C:Python39Scripts). Apply and Restart: Click OK, then restart your command prompt for the changes to take effect.

Once you have followed these steps, pip should be recognized and available in your CMD.

Conclusion

Resolving the pip command not found error requires a few simple steps. Whether you are facing issues with pip not being found, not recognized in CMD, or any other related problems, the key is to ensure that pip is correctly installed, the path is set, and the system environment variables are configured properly.

By following the detailed guide in this article, you should be able to overcome these issues and get pip working smoothly in your development environment.