pypa/pipx

Provide `ensurepath` with a check option or create an `init` command

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#1,014 opened on Jul 3, 2023

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 (8 comments) (0 reactions) (0 assignees)Python (7,844 stars) (363 forks)batch import
enhancementhelp wanted

Description

How would this feature be useful?

Currently, pipx ensurepath does not tell me what changes will it make. I would like to stay in control: see what changes it would make, and then decide if it's okay with me.

Describe the solution you'd like

  • Add a --check or --dry-run option that checks for necessary changes and outputs them. 
    > pipx ensurepath --dry-run
# append lines to ~/.config/fish/config.fish
fish_add_path ~/.local/bin
# ... and other configs

Describe alternatives you've considered

  • Add an init command that outputs the shell config changes - similarly to how pyenv does it: 
    > pipx init --fish
# Add this to your config.fish file if You haven't yet
fish_add_path ~/.local/bin
# ... other configs - similarly --zsh or --bash or --tcsh

Here is how pyenv does it:

> pyenv init
# Add pyenv executable to PATH by running
# the following interactively:

set -Ux PYENV_ROOT $HOME/.pyenv
set -U fish_user_paths $PYENV_ROOT/bin $fish_user_paths

# Load pyenv automatically by appending
# the following to ~/.config/fish/config.fish:

pyenv init - | source


# Restart your shell for the changes to take effect.

Contributor guide

Tech stack
python
Domain
clideveloper experience
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.
half day
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
Basic PythonFamiliarity with pipx
Newbie friendlinessA 1-100 score estimating how approachable this issue is for first-time contributors.
75
Research direction
The issue requests adding a dry run flag to `pipx ensurepath` or a new `init` command similar to pyenv. Look at the existing `ensurepath` implementation in `pipx/commands/ensure path.py` to understand how shell config modifications are performed. Implement a dry run option that prints changes without applying them, or an `init` command that outputs shell specific config lines. Consider supporting multiple shells (fish, bash, zsh, tcsh) as pyenv does. This is a well documented feature request with clear examples and alternatives.