Introduction to UV: The Modern Python Package Manager
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Shixian Sheng

Shixian Sheng @kpcofgs

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Introduction to UV: The Modern Python Package Manager

Publish Date: Jun 8
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In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, managing dependencies and projects efficiently is crucial. For Python developers, tools like pip, poetry, and virtualenv have been staples, but they might not always meet all our needs. Enter UV, a cutting-edge package manager designed to supercharge your workflow with unparalleled speed and functionality.

What is UV?

UV is more than just another tool; it's a comprehensive project management framework built on Rust, known for its performance and reliability. It offers a wide array of features that make managing dependencies and projects easier and more efficient than ever before. Whether you're working on standalone scripts, large-scale projects, or tools to be shared within your team, UV has you covered.

Key Features

1. Single Tool for Everything

UV replaces the need for multiple tools like pip, pipx, poetry, and virtualenv with a single, powerful solution. It handles dependency resolution, project management, script execution, and more, all in one place.

2. Blazing Speeds

Independent benchmarks show that UV can be 10 to 100 times faster than traditional tools like pip. This speed-up comes from its use of advanced dependency resolution algorithms optimized in Rust, allowing it to process complex tasks swiftly.

3. Comprehensive Project Management

UV excels at managing entire projects with features like lockfiles, workspaces, and universal dependency resolution. It can handle multiple Python versions, virtual environments, and even tool installations seamlessly.

4. Inline Metadata for Scripts

With UV, you can embed dependency metadata directly in your Python scripts. This feature allows for quick updates without altering the script itself, making it easier to manage dependencies as they change.

5. Cross-Platform Support

UV is designed to work across all major platforms: macOS, Linux, and Windows. It ensures consistent behavior and performance regardless of the operating system you're using.

6. Drop-in Replacement for Pip

UV provides a pip-compatible interface that offers significant performance improvements while maintaining a familiar command-line experience. You can migrate to UV without overhauling your existing workflows.

7. Reproducible Builds

One of UV's standout features is its ability to produce reproducible builds. This ensures consistent dependency installations across different environments, which is particularly useful for CI/CD pipelines and collaborative projects.

How to Get Started

1. Installation

UV is available via PyPI, making it easy to install. However, since UV is built with Rust, you'll need a modern compiler like rustup to ensure everything runs smoothly.

# Install Rust (if not already installed)
curl -sSf https://sh.rustup.rs | sh

# Install UV
pip install uv
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2. Basic Usage

Create a Project 

mkdir myproject
cd myproject
uv init
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Add Dependencies 

uv compile requirements.txt --output requirements.lock
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Create and Activate a Virtual Environment 

uv venv
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Run a Script with Inline Metadata 

# example.py
import requests

# Add UV metadata
__use_uv "__version__=requests"

# Your code
print("Testing:", requests.get("https://example.com"))
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uv run example.py
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3. Advanced Usage

Install Tools 

uv tool install ruff
ruff --version
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Switch Python Versions 

uv python install 3.10 3.11 3.12
# Or, pin a specific version
uv python pin 3.11
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Manage Multiple Projects 

uv workspace add myproject-2
# Then, inside the workspace
cd myproject-2
uv init
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Why Choose UV?

Performance

UV's Rust-based engine ensures that even complex tasks are handled quickly, reducing wait times and improving overall productivity.

Flexibility

With features like inline metadata and multiple Python version support, UV adapts to your workflow, allowing for seamless integration into existing processes.

Cross-Platform

UV bridges the gap between different operating systems, ensuring consistent behavior and eliminating "it works on my machine" issues.

Reproduducibility

Reproducible builds are a cornerstone of UV's design, making it easier to debug issues and maintain consistency across environments.

Community and Contribution

UV is actively developed by the Astral team, with contributions from a growing community of open-source enthusiasts. Whether you're fixing a bug or suggesting a new feature, your input is valued.

Conclusion

UV represents a significant leap forward in Python package management. Its blend of speed, flexibility, and comprehensive features makes it an excellent choice for developers looking to streamline their workflow. Whether you're working on a small script or managing a large-scale project, UV has the tools you need to stay efficient and productive.

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