Question

Why use pip over easy_install? Doesn't the fault lie with PyPI and package authors mostly? If an author uploads crap source tarball (eg: missing files, no setup.py) to PyPI, then both pip and easy_install will fail. Other than cosmetic differences, why do Python people (like in the above tweet) seem to strongly favor pip over easy_install?

(Let's assume that we're talking about easy_install from the Distribute package, that is maintained by the community)

Answer 1

Reasons why a pip is used over easy install:-

Originally pip was written to improve on easy_install by following ways:-

• In pip, all packages are downloaded before installation. Partially-completed installation doesn’t occur as a result.

• The useful output is presented onto the console.

• If any new package is being installed, pip keeps track of why that package was required.

• In pip the code is relatively concise and cohesive, making it easier to use programmatically.

• Pip has another advantage over easy_install which is native support for other version control systems (Git, Mercurial, and Bazaar)

• pip has a unique feature which is it provides a feature that helps in uninstallation of packages.