pypa/pip

Log debug and informational messages to stderr only

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#6,758 opened on Jul 21, 2019

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 (22 comments) (0 reactions) (0 assignees)Python (8,952 stars) (3,032 forks)batch import
help wantedstate: awaiting PRtype: enhancement

Description

What's the problem this feature will solve?

Commands that generate output for the user (pip list, pip freeze) must be concerned with debug output.

Describe the solution you'd like

As mentioned in #6099:

  1. all log messages should go to stderr instead of stdout
  2. command API related output should use a dedicated interface that outputs to stdout

Any issue that seeks to make the CLI more usable would benefit from this change. This also avoids issues like #6024.

Alternative Solutions

Originally, ad-hoc redirection of logger output to stderr was used to preserve command output. This could be used again, but it would make logging output from commands inconsistent in pip.

Additional Context

  • #6099

Contributor guide

Tech stack
python
Domain
backendcli
Issue type
feature
DifficultyEstimated implementation difficulty for a new contributor, from 1 for very small changes to 5 for expert-level work.
3
Estimated timeA rough time range for an experienced contributor to investigate, implement, test, and prepare a pull request.
1-2 days
Activity statusHow available the issue appears right now: fresh, active, stale, blocked, or waiting on maintainer input.
fresh
ClarityHow clearly the issue explains the expected change, acceptance criteria, and next step.
mostly clear
Prerequisites
Python loggingpip codebase structureCLI output handling
Newbie friendlinessA 1-100 score estimating how approachable this issue is for first-time contributors.
30
Research direction
Examine pip's current logging setup in src/pip/ internal/commands/ and src/pip/ internal/utils/logging.py. The issue references #6099 for context. Look at how command output is separated from debug logs. A solution would involve moving all log messages to stderr while keeping command output (like `pip list`) to stdout via a dedicated interface. Review comments for any agreed upon approach.
Log debug and informational messages to stderr only · pypa/pip#6758 | Good First Issue