uv: the Python package manager you've been waiting for

What uv replaces

• pip install — covered
• pip-compile / pip-sync — covered with lockfile support
• python -m venv — uv venv is faster and smarter
• pyenv — uv python install 3.12 manages Python versions

The speed

• uv pip install -r requirements.txt on a fresh venv with 80 packages: 1.8s vs pip's 48s
• Version resolution is near-instant even with complex constraints

The catch

uv is from Astral (the ruff team). Their monetisation plan is not yet clear. The tool is MIT-licensed, but if Astral pivots or shuts down, maintenance continuity is a question.

Verdict

Use it for all new projects. For existing teams, the migration path is additive — nothing breaks.