When running the pip install
command to install a package, you might see the following error:
note: This error originates from a subprocess, and is likely not a problem with pip.
error: metadata-generation-failed
× Encountered error while generating package metadata.
╰─> See above for output.
This error occurs because the setup.py
file that your package has can’t be executed properly.
You should be able to see this error a few lines after you run the install command. For example, here I’m trying to install the dotenv
package:
$ pip install dotenv
Collecting dotenv
Using cached dotenv-0.0.5.tar.gz (2.4 kB)
Preparing metadata (setup.py) ... error
When pip
says Preparing metadata from setup.py
, the result is an error.
But why does pip
fail to generate metadata? It could be any one of the following causes:
- You have outdated
pip
,setuptools
, andwheel
packages - The package is no longer maintained
- The package doesn’t support the latest Python version yet
- The package has external dependencies that must be met
This article shows examples of how this error occurs and how to fix it.
Running the pip install
command triggers the Python build systems which use the setuptools
and wheels
packages in the process.
This error can appear when you have outdated build tools in your system.
Before you try anything else, please upgrade these build tools to the latest versions.
You can use one of the following commands:
# For Unix/ macOS:
python3 -m pip install --upgrade pip setuptools wheel
# For windows:
py -m pip install --upgrade pip setuptools wheel
Once you upgraded the build tools to the latest versions, try installing the package again and see if it works now.
2. The package is no longer maintained
The other cause for this error is that the package you try to install is no longer maintained, so it causes an error when changes are introduced in setuptools
or wheel
package.
For example, the dotenv
package hasn’t been updated in a while, so trying to install it with the latest Python version will cause an error.
Fortunately, there’s an alternative package for dotenv
called python-dotenv
that’s actively maintained.
If this is the cause for your package, then the only solution is to find an alternative that works.
3. The package doesn’t support the latest Python version yet
Sometimes, the package you try to install doesn’t support the latest version of Python.
This can happen when Python released a new stable version just a few days or weeks before, and you’re already upgrading it to the latest version.
For example, the pygame
package uses C code, so it needs to rebuild a new wheel package for every Python version.
When there’s no wheel package for your Python version, pip
will try to build the package from source. Most likely, it will fail because you don’t have the development environment to build the package successfully.
In the case of pygame, the maintainer has released a new wheels package as a developer build to test it for errors first.
You can install the latest developer build by adding the --pre
option to the installation command as follows:
pip install pygame --pre
# If you have pip3:
pip3 install pygame --pre
Keep in mind that not all packages support the latest Python version even in their developer builds.
You need to ask the maintainers directly if this is the case with the package you want to install.
4. Your package has external dependencies that must be met
Some Python packages need to have their external dependencies met for the installation to run smoothly.
For example, database adapters like psycopg2
require the C compiler and other external dependencies. You need to have pg_config
executable available in your system as well.
You can see the build prerequisites doc for more information.
UPDATE: There’s a new package called psycopg
that uses pure Python code, so you might want to use that instead of psycopg2
.
If you encounter this error, then you need to check on the homepage of your package and see if there are any requirements for installing that package.
Conclusion
As you can see, the Python error: metadata-generation-failed
message has many possible causes.
The examples shown here are just a few causes for the error. You might even have a different cause altogether.
If you’re not sure how to fix the error, then you can try posting the error message on StackOverflow to get help.
If the package has a GitHub page, you can also check the issues page and see if there’s any mention of the same error.
I hope this tutorial is helpful. See you in other articles! 👋
Have you encountered the frustrating “Error: metadata-generation-failed” while trying to install a Python package using pip? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
This error can occur due to various reasons, such as outdated build tools, unsupported packages, incompatible Python versions, or missing external dependencies.
In this article, we will explore different causes of this error and provide potential solutions to fix it.
Understanding the “Error: metadata-generation-failed”
When you run the pip install
command to install a Python package, the error message “Error: metadata-generation-failed” may appear. This error indicates that the setup.py
file, which is responsible for configuring the package installation, cannot be executed correctly. Fixing this problem is extremely important, especially if you are working with a web development company in the UK, as it can affect the progress of your project.
The causes of this error can vary, but common reasons include outdated build tools, unsupported packages, incompatible Python versions, or missing external dependencies required by the package.
Potential Solutions to Fix the Error
Now, let’s explore different solutions to resolve the “Error: metadata-generation-failed” when installing Python packages using pip.
1. Update Build Tools
Outdated build tools on your system can contribute to the occurrence of this error. To address this, it’s recommended to upgrade the build tools, including pip, setuptools, and wheel, to their latest versions. Run the following command based on your operating system:
# For Unix/macOS:
python3 -m pip install –upgrade pip setuptools wheel# For Windows:
py -m pip install –upgrade pip setuptools wheel
After upgrading the build tools, try installing the package again to see if the error persists.
2. Check Package Maintenance
Sometimes, the package you are trying to install may no longer be actively maintained. In such cases, it’s possible that changes introduced in setuptools or wheel packages cause the error.
If this is the case, consider finding an alternative package that serves the same purpose and is actively maintained. Check the package’s homepage or relevant community forums for information on alternative packages.
3. Verify Python Version Compatibility
Certain packages may not yet support the latest version of Python. If you have recently upgraded to a new Python version and encounter the “Error: metadata-generation-failed,” it could be due to the package not being compatible with the latest Python version.
In such cases, you can try installing a developer build or a pre-release version of the package by adding the --pre
option to the installation command. For example:
pip install package-name –pre
Replace package-name
with the actual name of the package you are installing. Keep in mind that not all packages offer developer builds or pre-release versions, so this solution may not be applicable in all cases.
Check the package documentation or contact the maintainers for more information on Python version compatibility.
4. Fulfill External Dependencies
Certain Python packages have external dependencies that must be met for a successful installation. For instance, packages like psycopg2
, a database adapter, require external dependencies such as a C compiler and other prerequisites.
It’s important to ensure that you have the necessary dependencies installed on your system before attempting to install the package. Check the package’s homepage or documentation for information on its external dependencies.
Make sure you meet those requirements before proceeding with the installation.
Conclusion
The “Error: metadata-generation-failed” when installing Python packages using pip can be caused by various factors, including outdated build tools, unsupported packages, incompatible Python versions, or missing external dependencies.
By following the solutions outlined above, you can troubleshoot and resolve this error effectively.
Remember to keep your build tools updated, check the maintenance status of the package you intend to install, ensure compatibility with your Python version, and fulfill any external dependencies required by the package.
If you encounter any difficulties or the error persists, don’t hesitate to seek help from the Python community through platforms like Stack Overflow or by checking the package’s GitHub repository for related issues.
I am trying to get started with downloading this project: https://github.com/sadighian/crypto-rl
And I’ve downloaded the packages in the requirements file but I can’t figure out why the artic package won’t download. I am getting this error:
× python setup.py egg_info did not run successfully.
│ exit code: 1
╰─> [312 lines of output]
/Users/aishahalane/venv/lib/python3.9/site-packages/setuptools/installer.py:27: SetuptoolsDeprecationWarning: setuptools.installer is deprecated. Requirements should be satisfied by a PEP 517 installer.
warnings.warn(
error: subprocess-exited-with-error
× Building wheel for numpy (pyproject.toml) did not run successfully.
│ exit code: 1
╰─> [269 lines of output]
…
error: Command "/opt/concourse/worker/volumes/live/c1a1a6ef-e724-4ad9-52a7-d6d68451dacb/volume/python-split_1631807121927/_build_env/bin/llvm-ar rcs build/temp.macosx-10.9-x86_64-3.9/libnpymath.a build/temp.macosx-10.9-x86_64-3.9/numpy/core/src/npymath/npy_math.o build/temp.macosx-10.9-x86_64-3.9/build/src.macosx-10.9-x86_64-3.9/numpy/core/src/npymath/ieee754.o build/temp.macosx-10.9-x86_64-3.9/build/src.macosx-10.9-x86_64-3.9/numpy/core/src/npymath/npy_math_complex.o build/temp.macosx-10.9-x86_64-3.9/numpy/core/src/npymath/halffloat.o" failed with exit status 127
[end of output]
note: This error originates from a subprocess, and is likely not a problem with pip.
ERROR: Failed building wheel for numpy
ERROR: Failed to build one or more wheels
Traceback (most recent call last):
File "/Users/aishahalane/venv/lib/python3.9/site-packages/setuptools/installer.py", line 82, in fetch_build_egg
subprocess.check_call(cmd)
File "/Users/aishahalane/opt/anaconda3/lib/python3.9/subprocess.py", line 373, in check_call
raise CalledProcessError(retcode, cmd)
subprocess.CalledProcessError: Command '['/Users/aishahalane/venv/bin/python3', '-m', 'pip', '--disable-pip-version-check', 'wheel', '--no-deps', '-w', '/var/folders/_p/xqkc7m_n2_ngn8wdd3pgytp80000gn/T/tmph3_m5ewf', '--quiet', 'numpy<=1.18.4']' returned non-zero exit status 1.
The above exception was the direct cause of the following exception:
Traceback (most recent call last):
File "<string>", line 2, in <module>
File "<pip-setuptools-caller>", line 34, in <module>
File "/private/var/folders/_p/xqkc7m_n2_ngn8wdd3pgytp80000gn/T/pip-req-build-s7mgwt47/setup.py", line 59, in <module>
setup(
File "/Users/aishahalane/venv/lib/python3.9/site-packages/setuptools/__init__.py", line 154, in setup
_install_setup_requires(attrs)
File "/Users/aishahalane/venv/lib/python3.9/site-packages/setuptools/__init__.py", line 148, in _install_setup_requires
dist.fetch_build_eggs(dist.setup_requires)
File "/Users/aishahalane/venv/lib/python3.9/site-packages/setuptools/dist.py", line 812, in fetch_build_eggs
resolved_dists = pkg_resources.working_set.resolve(
File "/Users/aishahalane/venv/lib/python3.9/site-packages/pkg_resources/__init__.py", line 771, in resolve
dist = best[req.key] = env.best_match(
File "/Users/aishahalane/venv/lib/python3.9/site-packages/pkg_resources/__init__.py", line 1056, in best_match
return self.obtain(req, installer)
File "/Users/aishahalane/venv/lib/python3.9/site-packages/pkg_resources/__init__.py", line 1068, in obtain
return installer(requirement)
File "/Users/aishahalane/venv/lib/python3.9/site-packages/setuptools/dist.py", line 883, in fetch_build_egg
return fetch_build_egg(self, req)
File "/Users/aishahalane/venv/lib/python3.9/site-packages/setuptools/installer.py", line 84, in fetch_build_egg
raise DistutilsError(str(e)) from e
distutils.errors.DistutilsError: Command '['/Users/aishahalane/venv/bin/python3', '-m', 'pip', '--disable-pip-version-check', 'wheel', '--no-deps', '-w', '/var/folders/_p/xqkc7m_n2_ngn8wdd3pgytp80000gn/T/tmph3_m5ewf', '--quiet', 'numpy<=1.18.4']' returned non-zero exit status 1.
[end of output]
note: This error originates from a subprocess, and is likely not a problem with pip.
error: metadata-generation-failed
× Encountered error while generating package metadata.
╰─> See above for output.
note: This is an issue with the package mentioned above, not pip.
How do I solve this problem?
If you are working with Python programming packages, errors during the installation process are inevitable. For example the “error: metadata-generation-failed” which occurs when the packages’ metadata is not being generated correctly. This article highlights troubleshooting steps if you encounter this error.
Cause of the Error: Metadata-Generation-Failed in Python
The “error: metadata-generation-failed” error mostly occurs if you don’t configure the packages’ setup.py file correctly. There are numerous other reasons for this, such as a missing or incorrect information in the setup.py file, or a problem with the package’s dependencies.
#1. Check that information is presented correctly
In order To resolve the “error:metadata-generation-failed” error, you will need to check the package’s setup.py file, and ensure that all of the required information is present and correct. The right format is that ; The package name should be in lowercase and the version should be in the format “x.x.x”.
For instance:
from setuptools import setup
setup(name='my-package', version='1.0.0',...)
#2. Check package dependencies
Check and ensure that the package’s dependencies are correctly specified in the setup.py file.the package names should be spelt correctly and the correct version numbers used.
Example:
from setuptools import setup
setup( name='my-package', version='1.0.0',install_requires=[ 'numpy>=1.18.1','pandas>=1.0.0', ],...).
#3. Input correct information
You also have to check for any missing or incorrect information in the package’s README file or any other documentation.
Then Re-run the package installation command after checking, and the error should be resolved.
For instance:
pip install my-package
By checking the package’s setup.py file,and putting the required information present and correct, you can resolve this error and successfully install the package.
#4. Install package with –use-deprecated option
Run the pip install command with the –- use-deprecated option shell
- pip install numpy –use-deprecated=legacy-resolver
- pip3 install numpy –use-deprecated=legacy-resolver
- python -m pip install numpy –use-deprecated=legacy-resolver
- python3 -m pip install numpy –use-deprecated=legacy-resolver
- py -m pip install numpy –use-deprecated=legacy-resolver
The –use-deprecated allows you to use the old resolver to install modules. If you have an older version, set the — use-deprecated option to backtrack-on-build-failures.
Shell:
pip install numpy --use-deprecated=backtrack-on-build-failures
pip3 install numpy --use-deprecated=backtrack-on-build-failures
python -m pip install numpy --use-deprecated=backtrack-on-build-failures
python3 -m pip install numpy --use-deprecated=backtrack-on-build-failures
#5. Check if the version of your Python is supported by the package
Check if your Python version is supported by the package, you have to use a Python version that is supported by the package, if you realise you are not using one.
You can check if the Python version is supported by the package by googling the name of the package.
If your Python version doesn’t meet the requirements and is not supported by the package , the “error:metadata-generation-failed” occurs.
The error message will likely contain something like;
"RuntimeError: Cannot install on Python version 3.11.0; only versions >=3.7,<3.11 is supported."
If the package does not support Python, run the pip install command with the –pre option.
Shell:
pip install requests --pre
pip3 install requests --pre
python -m pip install requests --pre
python3 -m pip install requests --pre
py -m pip install requests --pre
replace requests with the name of the exact package you are trying to install.
The –pre option makes pip include pre-release and development versions of the package. pip only finds stable versions by default.
If it still doesn’t work, then you have to install a Python version that is in the specified range and then run the pip install <package_name> command.
You can upgrade your Python version by downloading the installer from the official Python website and running it.
tick the following options if get prompted:
- Install launcher for all users (recommended)
- Add Python to PATH (this will add Python to your PATH environment variable)
You can download a specific Python version that is supported by the package.
#6. Update your version of PIP
Upgrade your pip version before installing the python package.
The following commands will help you upgrade pip on all operating systems; the command will work depending on your version of Python, as well as your operating system.
If you already installed pip
pip install --upgrade pip
If your pip is named pip3(Python 3)
pip3 install --upgrade pip
If pip is not in PATH environment variable
python -m pip install --upgrade pip
If pip is not in your PATH environment variable
python3 -m pip install --upgrade pip
If you have easy_install
easy_install --upgrade pip
if you get a permissions error
sudo easy_install --upgrade pip
if you get a permissions error when upgrading pip
pip install --upgrade pip --user
upgrade pip scoped to the current user (if you get permissions error)
python -m pip install --user --upgrade pip
python3 -m pip install --user --upgrade pip
Installing directly from get-pip.py (MacOS and Linux)
curl https://bootstrap.pypa.io/get-pip.py | python
if you get permissions issues
curl https://bootstrap.pypa.io/get-pip.py | sudo python
alternative for Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt-get update && apt-get upgrade python-pip
alternative for Red Hat / CentOS / Fedora
sudo yum install epel-release
Any of these options, when applied will help you fix the “error: metadata-generation-failed” error.
FAQs
What causes the “error:metadata-generation-failed” error in Python?
The “error:metadata-generation-failed” occurs when the package’s setup.py file is not correctly configured because of reasons missing or incorrect information in the setup.py file, or issues with the package’s dependencies.
Do I need to have a specific version of Python to install a package without getting “error:metadata-generation-failed” ?
No. The “error:metadata-generation-failed” error is not related to the version of Python you have installed. It is only related to the package’s setup.py file and dependencies. Just make sure you have a compatible version of Python, you will be able to install the package without errors.
Was this article helpful?
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When installing Python packages using the pip install
command, you might come across the “metadata-generation-failed” error.
This error occurs because the setup.py
file in the package cannot be executed properly. This guide will provide a detailed overview of the possible causes and their solutions.
The main reasons for this error include:
- Outdated pip, setuptools, and wheel packages
- Unmaintained package
- Incompatibility with the latest Python version
- Unmet external dependencies
When running the pip install
command, Python’s build systems use the setuptools
and wheel
packages during the process. If these packages are outdated, the error might appear. To upgrade these build tools to their latest versions, follow these steps:
Step 1: Check the current versions of pip, setuptools, and wheel
First, verify the current versions of pip
, setuptools
, and wheel
installed on your system. Run the following commands:
For Unix/macOS:
python3 -m pip --version
python3 -m setuptools --version
python3 -m wheel --version
For Windows:
py -m pip --version
py -m setuptools --version
py -m wheel --version
Step 2: Upgrade the build tools
Next, upgrade the build tools to their latest versions by running these commands:
For Unix/macOS:
python3 -m pip install --upgrade pip setuptools wheel
For Windows:
py -m pip install --upgrade pip setuptools wheel
Step 3: Verify the updated versions
After upgrading the build tools, run the same commands used in Step 1 to ensure that the versions have been updated.
Step 4: Reinstall the package
With the build tools updated, try installing the package again to see if the error is resolved.
2. Find an Alternative Package if the Original is Unmaintained
Some packages are no longer maintained, which can lead to errors when changes are introduced in the setuptools
or wheel
packages. In such cases, you need to find an alternative package that is actively maintained.
Step 1: Check the package’s last update
First, visit the package’s repository or homepage and check its last update date. If it hasn’t been updated in a while, it might be unmaintained.
Step 2: Search for alternative packages
Look for alternative packages that provide similar functionality. You can search for alternatives on platforms like PyPI, GitHub, or libraries.io.
Step 3: Compare the alternatives
Compare the alternative packages based on factors such as:
- Popularity and user ratings
- Number of downloads
- Frequency of updates
- Compatibility with your Python version and other dependencies
- Community support and documentation
Step 4: Install the alternative package
Once you have chosen an alternative package, install it using the pip install
command.
3. Check Compatibility with the Latest Python Version
Some packages might not be compatible with the latest version of Python, causing errors during installation. Follow these steps to resolve compatibility issues:
Step 1: Verify your Python version
Check your current Python version by running the following command:
For Unix/macOS:
python3 --version
For Windows:
py --version
Step 2: Check the package’s supported Python versions
Visit the package’s repository, homepage, or documentation to find the Python versions it supports. You can also check the package’s setup.py
file or the pyproject.toml
file to find this information.
Step 3: Install a compatible Python version
If your Python version is incompatible with the package, consider installing a compatible version. You can download different Python versions from the official Python website.
Step 4: Create a virtual environment
It’s a good practice to create a virtual environment for your project, especially when using different Python versions or dependency configurations. To create a virtual environment, run the following command:
For Unix/macOS:
python3 -m venv my_project_env
For Windows:
py -m venv my_project_env
Replace my_project_env
with the desired name for your virtual environment.
Step 5: Activate the virtual environment
Activate the virtual environment by running the following command:
For Unix/macOS:
source my_project_env/bin/activate
For Windows:
my_project_env\Scripts\activate.bat
Step 6: Install the package in the virtual environment
With the virtual environment activated, install the package using the pip install
command.
4. Ensure External Dependencies are Met
Some Python packages require external dependencies to be met for successful installation. Follow these steps to ensure all dependencies are in place:
Step 1: Check the package’s requirements
Visit the package’s homepage or documentation to find any external dependencies required for installation. You can also check the package’s README.md
file, setup.py
file, or requirements.txt
file for this information.
Step 2: Install the required dependencies
Install the required dependencies using the appropriate package manager for your operating system. For example, on Unix-based systems, you might use apt-get
, yum
, or brew
, while on Windows, you might use choco
.
Step 3: Verify the installation of dependencies
After installing the required dependencies, verify their installation using the appropriate commands or tools for your operating system.
Step 4: Reinstall the package
With all the external dependencies installed, try installing the package again using the pip install
command.
Additional Tips
If you still encounter the “metadata-generation-failed” error, consider these additional tips:
- Consult the package’s issue tracker: Check the package’s issue tracker (e.g., GitHub issues) to see if other users have encountered the same error and if any solutions have been provided.
- Reach out to the package maintainers: If you cannot find a solution, consider reaching out to the package maintainers for help. You can usually find their contact information in the package documentation or repository.
- Browse community forums: Search for solutions in Python community forums, such as Stack Overflow, Reddit, or the Python mailing list. You might find useful information from users who have faced similar issues.
Conclusion
The “metadata-generation-failed” error in pip can be caused by various factors, such as outdated build tools, unmaintained packages, incompatibility with the latest Python version, or unmet external dependencies. By addressing these issues, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully install your desired Python package.