Notes on UV Python Package Manager

Introduction

• If you're still using pip or manually creating virtual environments, this video introduces a new tool called UV.
• UV is a Python package and project manager almost 100 times faster than pip in certain situations.
• It simplifies managing Python tools like virtual environments and installing dependencies.

Installing UV

• Installation Methods:
  • For Mac/Linux: Use curl or wget, or run pip install uv.
  • For Windows: Use Powershell or pip install uv.
• After installation, restart your terminal to start using UV.

Basic Usage of UV

1. Verify Installation:

   • Run the command uv in your terminal to check if it works and shows available commands.

2. Manage Python Versions:

   • List available Python versions: uv python list.
   • Install a specific version: uv python install <version> (e.g., uv python install 3.8).
   • Search for a specific version: uv python find <version>.
   • Uninstall a version: uv python uninstall <version>.

3. Running Python Scripts:

   • Use uv run <script_name>.py to run a script.
   • Specify Python version: uv run --python <version> <script_name>.py.
   • Handle dependencies: Use uv run --with <dependency> to install and run scripts with specific packages.

Adding Dependencies to Scripts

• You can add dependencies directly to your script via the command:
  • uv init-script <script_name.py> --python <version> to set up Python version and dependencies.
• Add dependencies using:
  • uv add-d-script <script_name.py> <dependency>.

Managing Python Projects with UV

1. Creating a New Project:

   • Navigate to the desired project directory and type uv init to set up project files and a git repository.
   • Files created include:
     • main.py (entry point)
     • pyproject.toml (detailed requirements file)
     • .gitignore

2. Adding/Removing Dependencies:

   • Use uv add <dependency> to install and add to pyproject.toml.
   • Use uv remove <dependency> to uninstall the package and update the file.

3. Virtual Environment Management:

   • UV creates and manages a virtual environment automatically, syncing it with the project's dependencies.

4. Lock Files:

   • uv.lock file helps maintain exact versions of packages used in the project, useful for source control.

Syncing Dependencies

• Use uv sync to sync the virtual environment with the dependencies in pyproject.toml manually, or it runs automatically with uv run.

Final Notes

• You can still use legacy pip commands by typing uv pip.
• UV simplifies Python project management and drastically improves speed compared to traditional methods.

Conclusion

• UV is designed to enhance your Python coding experience, allowing for faster project setup and dependency management.