How to Create and Use Requirements.txt in Python

After setting up your Python project, creating a requirements.txt file is essential for simplifying the installation process of dependencies for anyone cloning your project. This file lists all the Python packages required to run your project.

By creating a requirements.txt file, you ensure that others can easily replicate your project’s environment, maintaining consistency and compatibility across different systems.

Before installing dependencies, consider create a virtual environment to isolate your project from other projects on your system. This prevents conflicts and ensures a clean environment for your project.

You can learn more about virtual by following one of my tutorials here.

Creating the requirements.txt File:
To generate the requirements.txt file, execute the following command in your project directory:

pip freeze > requirements.txt

Installing Dependencies:
To install all project dependencies from the requirements.txt file, use the following command:

pip install -r requirements.txt

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Remember to update your requirements.txt file whenever you add, remove, or update dependencies in your project.
• If you encounter dependency conflicts or compatibility issues, consider revising the version constraints in your requirements.txt file.