During the course of my day job, I needed to install Python and pip. For those using MacPorts, below is the method I’ve used to accomplish the task. I used Python v2.7 since I hear v3 has some backward compatibility issues.

For each component, I perform a search, install, select --list and then select --set.

Python

Search available Python versions

sudo port search python2*

Install Python v2.7.8

From the list of Pythons that show up, I chose to install python27:

sudo port install python27

List installed Pythons

sudo port select --list python

A number of Apple installations should show up along with the Python that was installed in the last step (python27)

Set active Python version

Set the MacPorts Python 2.7.x installation as the default Python system-wide:

sudo port select --set python python27

pip

Search available pip versions:

sudo port search py*-pip

Install pip v1.5.6

sudo port install py27-pip

List installed pips

sudo port select --list pip

Note: If you get an error executing the above, try forcing the activation by executing sudo port -f activate py27-pip

Set active pip version

sudo port select --set pip pip27

virtualenv

Search available Python virtual environments

sudo port search py*-virtualenv

Install virtualenv 1.11.6 for Python v2.7

sudo port install py27-virtualenv

List installed virtualenvs

sudo port select --list virtualenv

Set active virtualenv

sudo port select --set virtualenv virtualenv27

Following the above should give you Python, pip and virtualenv for Python 2.7.

As a bonus, MacPorts also ensures there’s an easy_install version that’s specific to your MacPorts Python installation. In the above case, it should be located in <MacPorts_Home>/bin/easy_install-2.7. If you can’t remember the location of your MacPorts home directory, you can use bash completion by having it complete easy_install.