Pip is the de facto package management system used to install and manage software packages written in Python. For application developers, pip is essential for handling dependencies and ensuring that the correct libraries are present for an application to function correctly. It offers a streamlined way to install packages from the Python Package Index (PyPI) and other indexes, specifying package versions to maintain consistency in development environments and across deployments. Pip is also useful for creating virtual environments using tools like `venv` or `virtualenv`, allowing developers to isolate project dependencies and minimize conflicts. With pip, developers can easily install, update, and remove packages, making it a vital tool for efficient Python application development and maintenance. Its command-line interface is user-friendly and provides various options for package management, including requirements file handling and even package search.

View the most prominent open source pip projects in the list below. Click on a specific project to view its alternative or complementary packages.