Pip 26.2 introduces the --only-deps flag, allowing users to install only the dependencies listed in pyproject.toml without installing the package itself. This feature resolves a long-standing workflow issue for deploying Python applications and scripts that are not intended to be installed as packages. It significantly simplifies dependency management on servers by eliminating the need for manual workarounds like freezing requirements.
Background
Python developers have historically struggled with cleanly installing dependencies for standalone scripts or backend services without polluting the global namespace or requiring full package installation. Previous solutions often involved complex requirement.txt manipulations or environment-specific freezes that lacked portability.
- Source
- Lobsters
- Published
- Jul 23, 2026 at 01:50 PM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10