How to Obtain a List of Available Package Versions Using Pip: A Comprehensive Guide

Pip, a widely used Python package installer, provides an efficient way to install and manage Python packages. While it allows for convenient installation of specific package versions, it may be necessary to explore a comprehensive list of all possible versions before selecting the optimal one. This article delves into how to achieve this in various pip versions.

Pip Versions 21.2 and Higher

For pip versions 21.2 and above, the recommended approach is to utilize the following command:

pip index versions package-name

For example, to list versions of the pylibmc package:

pip index versions pylibmc

It's important to note that this command is still experimental and may be subject to changes in future releases.

Pip Versions 21.1 to 24.0

For pip versions between 21.1 and 24.0, use this command:

pip install package-name==

Pip Versions 20.3 to 21.0

For pip versions 20.3 to 21.0, the following command is recommended:

pip install --use-deprecated=legacy-resolver package-name==

Pip Versions 9.0 to 20.2

For pip versions 9.0 to 20.2, installing a package with an invalid version string yields the desired list:

pip install package-name==blork

where "blork" is any non-valid version string.

Pip Versions Less Than 9.0

For pip versions below 9.0, using the command below will produce the version list without installing:

pip install pylibmc==blork

By leveraging these methods, developers can save time by easily identifying and selecting the appropriate package version without engaging in trial and error.