Side by side
Flit vs pip
Both stand on python package managers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxWindows
Flit provides a focused route from a simple Python package to build artifacts and PyPI publication. Its narrow scope keeps the workflow direct, but projects needing build steps or automatic dependency handling need another approach.
Visit Flit Free plan LinuxMacWindows
pip provides package installation across supported Python environments, with options for requirements files, reports, authentication, and offline use. Users should note its stated platform and version support, and that remote tampering checks are not enabled by default.
Visit pipThe facts
| Flit | pip | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | flit.pypa.io | pip.pypa.io |
| On python package managers | #16 of 27 | #12 of 27 |
Flit: what it does well
- Creates pyproject.toml through an interactive init command
- Builds wheels and source distributions
- Publishes to PyPI and other configured indexes
- Includes subpackages and package data automatically
- Supports reproducible wheel output from identical sources
What to know first
- Cannot package projects requiring build steps
- Dependencies must be added manually
- Requires Python 3 and Python 3’s pip
pip: what it does well
- Installs from indexes, version control, and local sources.
- Supports wheels and source distributions.
- Can generate a JSON installation report.
- Supports lockfiles and offline installation.
- Free, with no usage limits stated.
What to know first
- Maintainers do not support other OSes or Python versions.
- Remote tampering checks are not enabled by default.
- Standalone zip application is experimental and not for production.
- Sends non-identifying environment details to remote indexes.