How to Check Pip Version in Linux

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By Oluwaseun Bamisile

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Do you want to check the version of pip installed on your Ubuntu Linux computer but have no idea how? You have come to the right place; this guide provides step-by-step procedures to achieve that.

Before continuing, it is crucial to note that this guide was written using the Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Linux-based OS. Hence, the procedures included in the guide may be slightly different on other versions of the Ubuntu Linux-based OS.

Check Pip Version Through the Terminal

The easiest and fastest way to check the version of the pip installed on your Ubuntu Linux computer is through the terminal. To accomplish that, follow the procedures below.

  1. On your Ubuntu desktop, right-click any free area and select Open in Terminal from the options that appear. Alternatively, you can use the Ctrl + Alt + T keyboard shortcut to open the terminal in Ubuntu Linux.
  1. After opening the terminal, input the command below and press the enter key.
pip --version
Check Pip Version In Linux Through The Terminal
  1. Consequently, the version of pip installed on your Linux PC will be displayed. However, if pip isn’t on your computer, you will receive an error saying, “Command ‘pip’ not found” – see the second screenshot below.
Check Pip Version In Linux Through The Terminal

If you don’t have pip on your Ubuntu Linux computer, follow the procedures in the section below to install it.

How To Install Pip In Linux

By default, pip doesn’t come with the Ubuntu Linux-based operating system. Hence, if the need arrives, you will have to install it on your Ubuntu computer manually.

A major way to install pip on your Ubuntu Linux computer is through the terminal. The following procedures and screenshots demonstrate how to install in Ubuntu Linux via the terminal.

  1. Right-click a free area on your Ubuntu Linux desktop and left-click Open in Terminal. Alternatively, use the Ctrl + Alt + T keyboard shortcut to open the terminal in Ubuntu Linux.
How To Install Pip In Linux
  1. When the terminal opens, run the command below to install the pip on your Ubuntu Linux computer. However, before the command executes, you will be prompted to input your PC’s password – do that and press the enter key.
sudo apt install python3-pip
It is important to note that characters won’t be visible while inputting your computer’s password in the terminal.
  1. After doing that, a couple of information about the pip installation will appear. Then, you will be asked if you want to continue with the installation – type “y” and press enter to continue.
How To Install Pip In Linux
  1. Consequently, pip should begin to install on your Ubuntu Linux computer.
If Python isn’t installed on your Ubuntu Linux computer, it will automatically install while installing pip.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Ubuntu support Pip?

Yes, Ubuntu, as well as other distributions of the Linux operating system, support pip.

2. What is the command to check Pip version in Linux?

The command to check the version of pip on your Linux computer is “pip –version.”

3. What is Pip?

Pip is the default package manager for Python. Furthermore, it enables users to install and manage additional packages that are not part of the Python library. 

4. What is the full form of Pip in Python?

In Python, the full form for pip is Pip Installation Package. Alternatively, pip stands for Preferred Installer Program.

5. Do I need to have Python to use Pip?

Pip is a package manager specifically developed for python. Hence, you need to have python installed on your computer to use pip.

Conclusion

Pip is the standard package manager for installing, managing, and updating python packages. Moreover, checking the version of pip on your Ubuntu Linux computer is an essential step in maintaining and managing your Python packages.

Basically, you can ensure that you are running the latest version by knowing the version of pip on your computer. Hence, you will be able to avoid compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities in the future.

Gladly, this guide provided step-by-step procedures to check the pip version in Ubuntu Linux through the terminal. As a matter of fact, I also offered steps to install pip in Ubuntu Linux in case it is missing on your computer.

I hope this guide was helpful to you. If you found this guide helpful, click on “Yes” beside the “Was this page helpful” question below.

You may also express your thoughts and opinions by using the “Leave a Reply” form at the bottom of this page.

Finally, you can visit our Linux how-to page to get more helpful Linux guides.

About the Author

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Oluwaseun Bamisile

Oluwaseun is the Lead Content Editor at Itechguides.com. He holds a National Diploma in Computer Science (currently studying part-time for his Higher National Diploma). An internet geek with a love for automobiles, he writes product reviews, tech articles, and how-to guides on the site.

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