matplotlib / matplotlib/matplotlib
[Bug]: install in development mode fails
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Description
### Bug summary
I'm trying to install matplotlib in development mode for a PR, and I'm using this for installing it in dev mode (from [here](https://matplotlib.org/devdocs/devel/development_setup.html#install-matplotlib-in-editable-mode)):
```bash
python -m pip install --verbose --no-build-isolation --editable ".[dev]"
```
I've tried all the basic stuffs (removing/re-creating the venv, etc), but I don't understand the error.
### Code for reproduction
Right after I git cloned and cd matplotlib:
```Python
python -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate
pip install -r requirements/dev/dev-requirements.txt
pip install -r requirements/doc/doc-requirements.txt
pip install -r requirements/testing/all.txt
python -m pip install --verbose --no-build-isolation --editable ".[dev]"
```
### Actual outcome
Using pip 22.0.4 from /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/venv/lib/python3.10/site-packages/pip (python 3.10)
Obtaining file:///Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib
Running command Checking if build backend supports build_editable
Checking if build backend supports build_editable ... done
Running command Preparing editable metadata (pyproject.toml)
+ meson setup /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/build/cp310 -Dbuildtype=release -Db_ndebug=if-release -Db_vscrt=md --native-file=/Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/build/cp310/meson-python-native-file.ini
The Meson build system
Version: 1.8.0
Source dir: /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib
Build dir: /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/build/cp310
Build type: native build
Program python3 python found: NO found 3.10.5 but need: '>= 3.11'
../../meson.build:6:4: ERROR: Program 'python3 python' not found or not executable
A full log can be found at /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/build/cp310/meson-logs/meson-log.txt
error: subprocess-exited-with-error
× Preparing editable metadata (pyproject.toml) did not run successfully.
│ exit code: 1
╰─> See above for output.
note: This error originates from a subprocess, and is likely not a problem with pip.
full command: /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/venv/bin/python /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/venv/lib/python3.10/site-packages/pip/_vendor/pep517/in_process/_in_process.py prepare_metadata_for_build_editable /var/folders/m2/jfzxyg4s0xz3jyw5f94r7tcm0000gn/T/tmpwu3byzgi
cwd: /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib
Preparing editable metadata (pyproject.toml) ... error
error: metadata-generation-failed
× Encountered error while generating package metadata.
╰─> See above for output.
note: This is an issue with the package mentioned above, not pip.
hint: See above for details.
### Expected outcome
Successfully install matplotlib in development mode.
### Additional information
- I'm not sure why I have this version of Python installed here
- I tried with pip latest (25.1.1), and it doesn't change anything
- `meson-log.txt`
Build started at 2025-05-11T19:18:42.156591
Main binary: /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/venv/bin/python
Build Options: -Dbuildtype=release -Db_ndebug=if-release -Db_vscrt=md --native-file=/Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/build/cp310/meson-python-native-file.ini
Python system: Darwin
The Meson build system
Version: 1.8.0
Source dir: /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib
Build dir: /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/build/cp310
Build type: native build
Running command: /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/venv/bin/python --version
--- stdout ---
Python 3.10.5
--- stderr ---
Program python3 python found: NO found 3.10.5 but need: '>= 3.11'
../../meson.build:6:4: ERROR: Program 'python3 python' not found or not executable
### Operating system
MacOS Sequoia 15.4.1
### Matplotlib Version
3.10.3
### Matplotlib Backend
macosx
### Python version
Python 3.10.5
### Jupyter version
_No response_
### Installation
pip
Contributor guide
First steps
- Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
- Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
- Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
- Open a pull request that references the issue number.
Research direction
Start with meson.build at line 6 and the development setup guide linked in the issue, then reproduce the editable install using the reported Python 3.10 environment. Check how the Python version requirement is communicated or enforced; done means the supported development setup is clear and editable installation succeeds with the documented prerequisites.
Written by the indexing model from the issue text.
Assessment
- Tech stack
- macos, python
- Domain
- build-system
- Issue type
- Bug
- Difficulty
- 3/5
- Estimated time
- 1-2 days
- Activity status
- Stale
- Clarity
- Mostly clear
- Newbie friendliness
- 35/100