These are quick answers or links for some common tasks. 

## HOW DO I …? 

## CHAPTER THREE 

## 3.1 … install pip in versions of Python prior to Python 3.4? 

Python only started bundling pip with Python 3.4. For earlier versions, pip needs to be “bootstrapped” as described in the Python Packaging User Guide. 

## See also: 

Python Packaging User Guide: Requirements for Installing Packages 

## 3.2 … install packages just for the current user? 

Passing the$_{--user}$ option to$_{python -m pip install}$ will install a package just for the current user, rather than for all users of the system. 

## 3.3 … install scientific Python packages? 

A number of scientific Python packages have complex binary dependencies, and aren’t currently easy to install using $_{pip}$directly. At this point in time, it will often be easier for users to install these packages by other means rather than attempting to install them with$_{pip}$. 

## See also: 

Python Packaging User Guide: Installing Scientific Packages 

## 3.4 … work with multiple versions of Python installed in parallel? 

On Linux, Mac OS X, and other POSIX systems, use the versioned Python commands in combination with the$_{-m}$ switch to run the appropriate copy of$_{pip}$: 

python2 -m pip install SomePackage # default Python 2 python2.7 -m pip install SomePackage # specifically Python 2.7 python3 -m pip install SomePackage # default Python 3 python3.4 -m pip install SomePackage # specifically Python 3.4 

Appropriately versioned$_{pip}$ commands may also be available. 

On Windows, use the$_{py}$Python launcher in combination with the$_{-m}$switch: 

