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# Getting Started

## Getting Started with pipx

This tutorial covers the core pipx workflow: installing an application, running it, and managing it. You need pipx installed before continuing.

### Install your first application

Pick a small package to try. `pycowsay` works well:

    pipx install pycowsay

pipx creates an isolated virtual environment for `pycowsay`, installs it there, and links the `pycowsay` command into a directory on your `PATH`. Run it from anywhere:

    pycowsay "Hello, pipx!"

### List installed applications

    pipx list

The output shows the virtual environment location, exposed commands, and the Python version each package uses.

### Run an application without installing

`pipx run` executes an application in a temporary environment and cleans up after itself:

    pipx run pycowsay moooo!

### Upgrade an installed application

    pipx upgrade pycowsay

Or upgrade everything at once:

    pipx upgrade-all

### Uninstall an application

    pipx uninstall pycowsay

pipx deletes the isolated environment and removes the command from your `PATH`.

### Next steps

Continue with the install applications and run applications tutorials for a closer look at the two core commands. The how-to guides cover tasks like injecting packages and configuring paths. The full CLI reference documents every flag.