python-pip-ci

name	python-pip-ci
description	GitHub Actions workflow steps for Python projects using pip. Use this skill when generating CI workflows that need pip-based dependency installation with virtual environment.

Python CI with pip

GitHub Actions Steps

Setup and Install

- uses: actions/checkout@v4

- name: Set up Python
  uses: actions/setup-python@v5
  with:
    python-version: "{PYTHON_VERSION}"

- name: Create venv and install dependencies
  run: |
    python -m venv .venv
    source .venv/bin/activate
    pip install --upgrade pip
    pip install {DEPENDENCIES}

Running Commands

After setup, activate the venv before running commands:

- name: Run command
  run: |
    source .venv/bin/activate
    {COMMAND}

Variables

Variable	Description	Default
{PYTHON_VERSION}	Python version	3.12
{DEPENDENCIES}	Space-separated packages	-
{COMMAND}	Command to run	-

Best Practices

• Always upgrade pip first (pip install --upgrade pip)
• Use python -m venv .venv for consistent venv location
• Each step needs source .venv/bin/activate (state doesn't persist between steps)
• For caching, add cache: 'pip' to setup-python (requires requirements.txt)