How do I search for an available Python package using pip?

If you search for packages using pip, you may encounter this error. This is because, after December 2020, the pip search functionality was discontinued due to an unmanageable load on PyPi’s XMLRPC API service.

ERROR: XMLRPC request failed [code: -32500]
RuntimeError: PyPI's XMLRPC API is currently disabled due to unmanageable load and will be deprecated in the near future. See https://status.python.org/ for more information.Code language: HTTP (http)

The alternative to this is installing the pip_search package using pip. Pip search is similar to the pip search command; it does the same but presents the search result better.

You can install it by entering the command below in a Terminal or Command Prompt window.

pip install pip_search

Once the package installs, you can execute it with pip_search and add the package name you are searching for, like the example below.

pip_search opencv

The command above should output a similar result.

That’s it, folks, happy coding.

Feel free to leave a comment below or ask any questions.

I compiled a list of software and services that I use to improve my workflow, here is the link to the list.

Sign up to become a member of an exclusive email newsletter. No spam, You can unsubscribe whenever you like