Why You Should Try uv if You Use Python

uv stands as the best tool for managing Python dependencies in modern projects. If you haven’t tried it, you should.

Blazing Fast

uv’s performance comes from clever caching and low-level implementation in Rust. Package operations run 10-100x faster than pip. Install a hundred dependencies in seconds instead of minutes. The speed advantage compounds when running CI/CD pipelines, creating virtual environments, or syncing dependencies across team members. Every uv add and uv sync command completes before you can context-switch away.

Standards-Based Compatibility

uv respects Python packaging standards, including PEP 517, PEP 518, PEP 621, PEP 723, and PEP 751. This makes it widely compatible with other parts of the ecosystem. Projects using pyproject.toml work seamlessly. Build backends like setuptools, hatchling, and flit integrate without friction.

Unified Tooling

Previously, Python development required juggling pip for packages, virtualenv or venv for environments, pyenv for Python versions, pip-tools for lockfiles, and pipx for tools. uv consolidates this entire stack. One tool handles package installation, environment creation, Python version management, lockfile generation, and tool execution. Learn the difference between pip and uv.

Easy Drop-In Replacement

Getting started requires minimal learning. pip install package becomes uv add package. pip install -r requirements.txt becomes uv pip install -r requirements.txt or uv sync. The familiar mental model stays intact. But uv also provides an upgrade path: migrate from requirements.txt to pyproject.toml when ready. Start simple, add sophistication as needed.

Python Version Management Solved

Installing Python with uv has finally made it trivially easy to download and run arbitrary versions of the Python interpreter. Type uv python install 3.12 and you’re done. No homebrew complications, no pyenv configuration, no manual downloads. Switch between versions with uv python pin. The tool automatically downloads missing versions when needed. Understanding .python-version files becomes straightforward when uv handles the mechanics.

Getting Started

Install uv without requiring Python on your system. The installation guide covers all platforms. Then try creating your first project or running a simple script.

The “I should try uv” moment has passed. The moment is now “I should have tried uv sooner.” Don’t wait for another year of posts telling you what you’re missing.