How to fix How to fix 'ERROR: Metadata generation failed' in Python in Python

PythonINTERMEDIATEMEDIUM

This error indicates pip could not generate package metadata. This typically happens when a package's setup.py or setup.cfg is invalid or runs code that fails.

What this error means

When pip installs a package, it first reads the package's metadata (version, dependencies, etc.). This metadata comes from setup.py, setup.cfg, or pyproject.toml. If pip cannot read or generate this metadata—often because setup.py raises an error or is malformed—installation fails with a metadata generation error.

Typical symptoms

pip install fails with 'ERROR: Metadata generation failed'
Error message includes 'ERROR: METADATA generation failed'
Works with older pip but fails with newer version
Specific package fails to install
setup.py has syntax errors or problematic imports
Metadata errors appear before wheel building
Works in one environment but not another

Common causes

setup.py contains syntax errors or invalid code
setup.py imports modules that are not installed
Malformed setup.cfg or pyproject.toml
Incompatible setuptools version
setup.py tries to read files that don't exist
Python version incompatible with setup.py code
setup.py uses deprecated distutils API

How to fix this error

1Verify the root cause

Review the error message above and identify which cause applies to your situation. Run additional diagnostics if needed.

2Apply the appropriate fix

Follow the corresponding solution from the causes section above.

3Retry the installation

Once you've addressed the root cause, try running 'pip install' again.

Related errors

Official resources & further reading

📚Python Official Documentation
📖
pip official documentation(Official Docs)
💬
SO: Metadata generation failed(Stack Overflow)
🐙
GitHub: pip issues(GitHub)