Pip install syntaxerror: invalid syntax [SOLVED]

In this article, we are going to deal with pip install syntaxerror: invalid syntax error message in Python.

If you are wondering why this error occurs and how to fix it. Then, you must continue reading.

This article discusses important details that will help you troubleshoot the pip install invalid syntax, a SyntaxError in Python.

So without further ado, let’s get started!

What is pip?

Pip is a package manager for Python packages. It is a helpful tool that allows users to install and manage libraries and dependencies. That is not distributed as part of the standard library.

To use pip, you need to run it from the command line rather than the Python interpreter. Pip is a program designed to install modules so that you can utilize them in Python.

Once you have installed the desired module, you can then open the Python shell and import it using the import statement.

It’s important to note that the Python shell functions as an interactive interpreter where you input Python code, not commands.

What is “pip install invalid syntax” error message?

The pip install invalid syntax error message occurs when you are using pip install, and it happens for 2 main reasons:

Trying to use the pip install command in a Python module, for instance, a main.py file.

When you try to execute the main.py file using the command “python main.py,” you will encounter this error. It is because it is not recommended to run pip commands by executing a Python script.

Trying to use the pip install command with the Python interpreter active in an interactive session.

This error message was triggered because it is not allowed to run the pip install selenium command from the Python interpreter in your command prompt.

If you receive an “invalid syntax” error while using the “pip install” command in Python, it’s because “pip” is not recognized as a keyword in Python.

Remember, “pip” is a command line tool that needs to be executed from a command line shell.

Why does the “pip install invalid syntax” SyntaxError occur?

The SyntaxError, pip install invalid syntax occurs when you try to use the pip command within a Python interpreter or script.

Take note that pip is a command-line tool used for managing Python packages.

Unfortunately, you can’t directly access it from within the Python interpreter.

How to fix “pip install invalid syntax”?

To fix the pip install invalid syntax, install the package using pip and execute the command in the command line.

If you attempt to install a package from the Python interpreter or within a Python program, you will encounter the SyntaxError.

Solution 1: Exit Python shell

To exit the Python interpreter and install a specific module, you can press CTRL + D (or Cmd + D on macOS). If that doesn’t work, you can use the exit() function to exit the interpreter.

✅ exit()

Solution 2: Install the package or module directly from command line shell

To install a package, simply run the “pip install” command directly from your command line shell.

For example:

✅ pip install selenium

If you are Python version 3:

✅ pip3 install selenium

You can also use python -m prefix

✅ python -m pip install requests
✅ python3 -m pip install requests
✅ py -m pip install requests

Note: this is just an example module if you have a different module to be installed. Ensure to change it to your preference.

Solution 3: Install the package or module in Python script

To install a package within a Python script, you can make use of the subprocess module.

import subprocess
import sys


def install(package):
    subprocess.check_call([sys.executable, "-m", "pip", "install", package])


install('selenium')

Output:

Note: Ensure to change the selenium with the name of the module you’re trying to install.

Solution 4: Upgrade pip version

Open your terminal or command prompt and execute the following command:

python.exe -m pip install --upgrade pip

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pip install invalid syntax error message occurs when you are using pip install, and it happens for 2 main reasons:

Trying to use the pip install command in a Python module, for instance, a main.py file.
Trying to use the pip install command with the Python interpreter active in an interactive session.