PYTHON problem with installing package matplotlib

Question

I've spent hours now to install matplotlib in PyCharm, but without success. I'm a beginner but packages like pip and numpy installed without a problem. When I try to use the standard path to install matplotlib (File - Settings - Project interpreter - Install package) I get an error (code attached)

I tried to search for answers on official websites and forums, but I still have no solution. Can you help?
https://code.sololearn.com/crI0b25bgSjR/?ref=app

Answer 1

I realize that pip appears to have installed properly, yet you've spent hours fighting it; have you tried reinstalling pip?

Answer 2

All of the threads I saw explain the problem as untracked files breaking pip (caused either by using multiple package managers or accidentally running pip with elevated privileges).

Regarding anaconda, there's a Windows 10 note in this issue report (author: Ghost) on using conda to reinstall pip (possibly a different method for you?):
https://github.com/pypa/pip/issues/4330

If that doesn't work, it may be more complicated:
Most successful procedures have had to remove pip completely (including pip files left behind after uninstall) in order to succeed.
You appear to be using a Python virtual environment (the venv folder). It is possible pip is only broken with respect to that environment.

Testing the last two will be tricky for me tonight but I'm adding it in case it helps.

Answer 3

I also saw a few threads that fixed the problem by upgrading setuptools.

Answer 4

Thanks a lot. One more pip reinstallation and everything works again. Unbelievable :)

Answer 5

Thanks for the answer. Yes, reinstalled.
I also installed an additional Conda program, which should be helpful in installing packages. But I can't configure it correctly with PyCharm. Anyway it's probably not necessary