Python gives you options, but when it comes to managing dependencies, you have to pick a side. pip or Poetry?

Here's a practical breakdown of what each one does, where it works, where it falls short, and how to choose the right one without wasting time.

🔧 What They Are

pip
The standard Python package installer. It installs packages from PyPI, works with requirements.txt, and leaves most of the heavy lifting to you.

Poetry
A modern tool that manages dependencies, creates virtual environments, and handles publishing. It uses pyproject.tomlinstead of requirements.txt.

If pip is a manual toolkit, Poetry is a streamlined, all-in-one power tool.

🧠 Dependency Management

pip

• Installs exact versions listed in requirements.txt

• You generate those lists manually using pip freeze

• If packages conflict, you're on your own

Poetry

• Resolves dependencies intelligently

• Uses version constraints to avoid future conflicts

• Creates a poetry.lock file for consistent builds

Winner: Poetry, hands down. It actually thinks ahead.

🗃 Project Setup

pip

• No setup helpers

• You create folders, manage setup.py, and deal with metadata by hand

Poetry

• poetry new project-name sets up everything

• Built-in virtual environment handling

• Centralized config in pyproject.toml

Winner: Poetry. Saves you hours of boilerplate.

🌍 Virtual Environments

pip

• Requires tools like venv or virtualenv

• You handle activation, deactivation, and cleanup

Poetry

• Automatically creates a virtual environment per project

• Keeps your system Python clean

Winner: Poetry. Less risk, less friction.

📦 Packaging and Publishing

pip

• Doesn’t do packaging

• You need setuptools, twine, and some duct tape

Poetry

• Handles packaging and publishing in one command

• Keeps your config clean and central

• Makes PyPI uploads simple

Winner: Poetry, easily. The process is smooth and repeatable.

🧪 Stability and Compatibility

pip

• It’s everywhere

• Works with any Python project

• Always installed by default

Poetry

• Still improving

• Great for new projects but can get tricky in complex or legacy setups

• Lockfile format is not fully standardized

Winner: pip, for legacy compatibility. But Poetry is catching up fast.

🤔 So, Which Should You Use?

💬 Final Thoughts

pip is reliable and battle-tested. It’s the standard for a reason. But it puts more of the work on you.

Poetry is what pip would look like if it was rebuilt today. It takes care of the boring parts so you can focus on code. For new projects or devs who want clean workflows, Poetry is the smarter choice.

Your call. Just don’t mix and match unless you like chaos.

Header image by suixin-pixabary