What to do about pip 19.1

[jsignell]

I have been thinking a lot about this since pip broke editable installs yesterday. (https://discuss.python.org/t/pip-19-1-and-installing-in-editable-mode-with-pyproject-toml/1553/5). I thought #11 would solve our problems, but it created new ones, so I wanted to capture what I have thought about so far.

I think there are several options.

1. Pin to <19.1

   • fine solution if this is temporary

2. Use the flag every time you pip install with editable: pip install -e . --no-use-pep517

   • PRO: smallest change
   • PRO: stay on latest pip
   • CON: flag is too long to remember
   • CON: flag is controversial and might go away

3. Switch to using python setup.py develop

   • PRO: get rid of pyproject.toml
   • PRO: does special things that pip doesn't do (build panel models)
   • CON: no good way to specify build-time dependencies
   • CON: conda doesn't recognize as best version when package already in env

[jbednar]

Sounds utterly miserable. All options are quite bad.

[jsignell]

Seems likely that the pip people will revert while they discuss pypa/pip#6449. Given that, I propose that we pin under 19.1 for now and wait to see how things shake out.

[philippjfr]

Sounds like a plan. What a mess that has been.