Pip Proxy Setup with CNTLM for Python - Step by Step Guide

If you are working with Python and need to download packages using pip, you may run into issues when working behind a proxy. In this case, you will need to set up a proxy server to enable pip to access the internet. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of setting up a proxy server using CNTLM for pip.

What is CNTLM?

CNTLM is a proxy server that allows you to work with applications that do not support proxy servers directly. It acts as a middleman between your application and the internet, forwarding requests and responses between the two.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Install CNTLM

The first step is to install CNTLM on your computer. You can download it from the official website and install it as you would any other software.

Step 2: Configure CNTLM

Next, you will need to configure CNTLM to work with your proxy server. Open the CNTLM configuration file, which is typically located at /etc/cntlm.conf or C:Program Files (x86)Cntlmcntlm.ini.

Update the following settings in the configuration file:

• Username: Your username for the proxy server.
• Domain: The domain of the proxy server. This may not be required, depending on your proxy server configuration.
• Password: Your password for the proxy server.
• Proxy: The address of the proxy server.
• Listen: The port on which CNTLM will listen for requests.

Save and close the configuration file.

Step 3: Start CNTLM

Start CNTLM by running the following command in your terminal or command prompt:

cntlm -c /path/to/cntlm.conf

Replace /path/to/cntlm.conf with the path to your CNTLM configuration file.

Step 4: Configure pip

Finally, you need to configure pip to use the CNTLM proxy server.

Create a file named pip.ini in your home directory (C:UsersYourUserName or /Users/YourUserName) and add the following lines:

[global]
proxy = http://localhost:3128

Save and close the file.

Step 5: Test pip

You can now test pip by running the following command:

pip install package-name

If everything is set up correctly, pip should be able to download the package through the proxy server.

Conclusion

Setting up a proxy server for pip using CNTLM can be a bit tricky, but by following this step-by-step guide, you should be able to get it up and running in no time. Remember to update your CNTLM configuration file and pip.ini file with the correct settings for your proxy server.