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Python Setting Up a Local Python Environment Installing Python and Python Libraries Locally Using pip

Richard Hummel
PLUS
Richard Hummel
Courses Plus Student 5,677 Points
Posted by Richard Hummel
Richard Hummel
Courses Plus Student 5,677 Points

Explain --user vs non --user install

I have followed along with the video and did this both ways with mistune...however I am unclear about what the difference is between using "--user" or not using it. If anyone can explain it would be helpful.

1 Answer

Alex Brown
Alex Brown
3,555 Points
Alex Brown
Alex Brown
3,555 Points

Hi Richard,

The command '--user' specifies the install for the current user only. For example, say you have three accounts on your computer named Richard, Max, and Pat. If you installed using '--user' while on the "Richard" account, the install would only be on the Richard account. You would not be able to access the installed files on Max or Pat's accounts.

On the other end, choosing not to use '--user' installs the files on every account, so you could use them in any account on the computer.