pip install -r requirements.txt is failing: "This environment is externally managed"

Solving the "This environment is externally managed" Error when using "pip install -r requirements.txt"

If you're encountering the error "This environment is externally managed" while trying to use "pip install -r requirements.txt," it's likely due to your distribution adopting PEP 668, which aims to prevent mixing apt and pip provided packages. Here are a few solutions you can try:

• Use a Virtual Environment (venv):

python3 -m venv .venv
source .venv/bin/activate
python3 -m pip install -r requirements.txt

This creates an isolated environment for your project, separating it from the system's packages.
• Use --break-system-packages:

pip install xyz --break-system-packages

This flag tells pip to install packages in your local user directory, preventing conflicts with system packages.
• Modify ~/.config/pip/pip.conf:
Add the following lines to the configuration file:

[global]
break-system-packages = true

• Remove the EXTERNALLY-MANAGED Marker:
For Debian-based systems, use:

sudo rm /usr/lib/python3.11/EXTERNALLY-MANAGED

For Arch Linux-based systems, use:

sudo rm /usr/lib/python3.11/EXTERNALLY-MANAGED

• In Docker Containers:
Instead of using venv, directly create a virtual environment in your Dockerfile:

RUN python3 -m venv /opt/venv
ENV PATH="/opt/venv/bin:$PATH"

# Continue with `pip install` as usual

• For Homebrew-Installed Python:
Remove all EXTERNALLY-MANAGED files:

rm /opt/homebrew/Cellar/python\@3*/**/EXTERNALLY-MANAGED

Additionally, ensure that you're using the correct Python version and that your virtual environment is properly activated. If the issue persists, consider using a different Python version or consulting your distribution's documentation for further guidance.