How to install xlrd in python3 library

Question

I am trying to install xlrd to read Excel files in python.

I have tried this: pip install -U pip setuptools. My macOS Mojave 10.4.3 has Python 2.7 which is where the default install goes to. But I have also installed Python3.7. How do I get pip install to my 3.7 directory?

Answer 1

I reckon the easiest/cleanest solution would be to use a tool that isolates your python environment, such as virtualenv

Once installed, create a virtual env by specifying which version of python you want to use:

$> virtualenv -p python3 env

Note: puttin python3 directly works only for mac, with linux, you must specify the absolute path or your python binary.

And then 'activate' your environment:

$> source env/bin/activate

From here, any python or pip command you use will use python3.

$> pip install xlrd

Virtualenv has the advantage of not 'polluting' your local python installation, your can manage your pip modules installed more easily.

If you want more detail on how it works and the other alternatives, check this post