> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/prefix-dev/pixi/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction to Pixi

> Fast, modern, and reproducible package management for developers

# Pixi: Package Management Made Easy

Pixi is a cross-platform, multi-language package manager and workflow tool built on the foundation of the conda ecosystem. It provides developers with an exceptional experience similar to popular package managers like `cargo` or `npm`, but for any language.

<Note>
  Pixi is ready for production! The file format is designed to be compatible with previous versions, ensuring you can rely on Pixi with peace of mind.
</Note>

## Why Pixi?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Reproducible Environments" icon="lock">
    Built-in lock files ensure your environments are isolated and easily recreated across machines. No more "works on my machine" problems.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Multi-Language Support" icon="code">
    Supports Python, C++, R, Rust, Node.js, and more using Conda packages. Over 30,000 packages available on conda-forge.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Cross-Platform" icon="laptop">
    Works seamlessly on Linux, Windows, macOS (including Apple Silicon), and more platforms.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Built-In Task Runner" icon="play">
    Define and run cross-platform tasks effortlessly. Chain commands, set dependencies, and manage complex workflows.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Disk Efficient" icon="hard-drive">
    Environments share files through hard links or reflinks, so packages are stored only once on your system.
  </Card>

  <Card title="PyPI Integration" icon="python">
    Full support for PyPI packages through uv, seamlessly integrated with conda packages.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Key Features

### Lock Files for Reproducibility

Pixi always creates a `pixi.lock` file containing exact versions of all dependencies and their dependencies. This ensures reproducible environments across different machines and over time.

### Multiple Environments in One Workspace

Compose multiple environments in a single manifest file. Perfect for managing development, testing, and production environments together.

### Global Tool Installation

Install tools globally, safely isolated from each other. Pixi can replace `apt`, `homebrew`, or `winget` for managing your development tools:

```bash theme={null}
pixi global install gh nvim ipython btop ripgrep
```

### Simple, Cargo-Like CLI

Pixi provides a clean and intuitive command-line interface that feels familiar to developers:

```bash theme={null}
pixi init my-project
pixi add python numpy pytest
pixi run test
```

## How Does Pixi Compare?

\| Core Features               | Pixi | Conda | Pip | Poetry | uv |
\|-----------------------------|------|-------|-----|--------|----|---
\| Installs Python             | ✅    | ✅     | ❌   | ❌      | ✅  |
\| Supports Multiple Languages | ✅    | ✅     | ❌   | ❌      | ❌  |
\| Lockfiles                   | ✅    | ❌     | ❌   | ✅      | ✅  |
\| Task Runner                 | ✅    | ❌     | ❌   | ❌      | ❌  |
\| Workspace Management        | ✅    | ❌     | ❌   | ✅      | ✅  |

## Available Software

Pixi defaults to the **conda-forge** repository, which contains over **30,000 packages** including:

* **Python**: `python`, `scikit-learn`, `pytorch`, `numpy`, `pandas`
* **C/C++**: `clang`, `boost`, `opencv`, `cmake`, `ninja`
* **Java**: `openjdk`, `gradle`, `maven`
* **Rust**: `rust`, `cargo-edit`, `cargo-insta`
* **Node.js**: `nodejs`, `bun`, `pnpm`, `eslint`
* **CLI Tools**: `git`, `gh`, `ripgrep`, `make`, `jq`

Browse thousands more on [prefix.dev](https://prefix.dev/) or host your own channels.

## Built with Rust

Pixi is entirely written in Rust and built on top of the [rattler](https://github.com/conda/rattler) library, ensuring exceptional performance and reliability.

## Get Started

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Installation" icon="download" href="/installation">
    Install Pixi on Linux, macOS, or Windows in seconds
  </Card>

  <Card title="Quick Start" icon="rocket" href="/quickstart">
    Create your first workspace and run your first task
  </Card>

  <Card title="Basic Usage" icon="book" href="/basic-usage">
    Learn the essential commands and workflows
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## What's Next?

Some exciting features planned for upcoming releases:

* **Build and publish** your project as a Conda package
* Support for **dependencies from source**
* More powerful global installation of packages for deterministic setups across machines

## Community

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Discord" icon="discord" href="https://discord.gg/kKV8ZxyzY4">
    Join our active community for help and discussion
  </Card>

  <Card title="GitHub" icon="github" href="https://github.com/prefix-dev/pixi">
    Star the project and contribute to development
  </Card>
</CardGroup>