pip - Python: how to edit an installed package?

Question

I installed some package via pip install something. I want to edit the source code for the package something. Where is it (on ubuntu 12.04) and how do I make it reload each time I edit the source code and run it?

Currently I am editing the source code, and then running python setup.py again and again, which turns out to be quite a hassle.

Answer 1

You should never edit an installed package. Instead, install a forked version of package.

If you need to edit the code frequently, DO NOT install the package via pip install something and edit the code in '.../site_packages/...'

Instead, put the source code under a development directory, and install it with

python setup.py develop
# or
pip install -e path/to/SomePackage
# Or use a vcs at the first place
$ pip install -e git+https://github.com/lakshmivyas/hyde.git#egg=hyde

Put your changes in a version control system, and tell pip to install it explicitly.

Reference: Edit mode