Manage Packages

Overview

This guide covers how to use the package manager in the Project Tab in the Desktop App.

The package manager lets you add packages to be built into the project container. You can use it while the container is running or stopped.

You can use the package manager to install packages into a running container.

If the container is running, the packages will be installed live into the container. The relevant package files, e.g. requirements.txt will be updated and the container will be rebuilt the next time you start it.

Editing package files directly without the package manager will not install them in a running container.

They will be built into the container the next time you start it. Starting a container that has new dependencies automatically triggers a rebuild.

Key Concepts

Package Manager

Feature in the Desktop App that lets you add packages to a running container. Automatically updates requirements.txt or apt.txt.

requirements.txt

Lists Python packages to install with pip during container build. One package per line, optionally with version constraints.

apt.txt

Lists system packages to install with apt during container build. One package per line.

Container Rebuild

Building a new container image with updated package lists or configurations. Required when you edit package files directly.

Use the Package Manager

Step One: Open the package manager.

1. Select Project Tab > Project Container > Packages
2. Select Add Package

Step Two: Add each package you need.

1. Select the package manager from the dropdown: pip, conda, or apt
2. Enter the package name
3. Optionally enter a version constraint (e.g., >=1.21.0)
4. Select Add
5. Repeat for additional packages

Step Three: Submit the changes.

1. Select Submit when finished adding packages

Success: Packages install in the running container.

Add Python Packages by Editing requirements.txt

Step One: Open requirements.txt in your project root.

1. Select Project Tab > Files > requirements.txt
2. Select Option Dots > Edit

Step Two: Add packages to the file.

1. Add one package per line
2. Optionally specify versions: numpy==1.21.0 or pandas>=1.3.0
3. Select Save

Step Three: Rebuild the container.

1. Select Project Tab > Project Container > Start Build

Success: The container rebuilds with the new packages installed.

Add System Packages by Editing apt.txt

Step One: Open apt.txt in your project root.

1. Select Project Tab > Files > apt.txt
2. Select Option Dots > Edit

Step Two: Add packages to the file.

1. Add one package per line
2. Use standard Debian/Ubuntu package names
3. Select Save

Step Three: Rebuild the container.

1. Select Project Tab > Project Container > Start Build

Success: The container rebuilds with the new packages installed.

Remove Packages

Step One: Remove the package from the configuration file.

1. Delete the line from requirements.txt or apt.txt
2. Select Save

Step Two: Rebuild the container.

1. Select Project Tab > Project Container > Start Build

Success: The container rebuilds without the removed package.

Rebuild the Container

Step One: Start the rebuild.

1. Select Project Tab > Project Container > Start Build

Success: The build starts and you can monitor progress in the build output.