Python - Manage global packages with pipx

Python comes with many tools that help manage versions and dependencies.

• pyenv - manage Python versions
• virtual environments (like venv) that help isolate dependencies on a per project basis

What about “global” packages like code linters (flake8, pylint), code formatter (black), or virtualennwrapper (virtual environment manager)?

That question came up when I wanted to use cfn-lint for linting Cloudformation. Regardless of what project I’m working on, I’d like to have cfn-lint ready.

When installing pipx, I took the option of changing where pipx installs packages through the two environment variables PIPX_BIN_DIR and PIPX_HOME:

• Set PIPX_BIN_DIR to C:\opt\Python\pipx\pipx-apps-bins
• Set PIPX_HOME to C:\opt\Python\pipx\pipx-venv

Install pipx with PS> python -m pip install --user pipx and then PS> python -m pipx ensurepath.

The output should be: Success! Added C:\opt\Python\pipx\pipx-apps-bins to the PATH environment variable.

Now, when I install a package globally, say PS> python -m pipx install cfn-lint, I know where to find cfn-lint. I find it easier to remeber C:\opt rather than ~/.local/* (sometimes Windows hides folders prefixed with a dot).