ERROR
pip
build_error
ai_generated
true
ERROR: pip's dependency resolver does not currently take into account all the packages that are installed. subprocess-exited-with-error
ID: pip/subprocess-error
80%Fix Rate
85%Confidence
50Evidence
2023-01-01First Seen
Version Compatibility
| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | active | — | — | — |
Root Cause
A subprocess invoked by pip (typically setup.py or build backend) exited with a non-zero status. This is a wrapper error — the actual cause is in the subprocess output above this message. Common causes: missing build deps, syntax errors in setup.py, or incompatible build backend.
genericWorkarounds
-
90% success Read the full error output above the subprocess error line to find the real cause
Run pip install -v <package> for verbose output, then look for the actual error (missing header, syntax error, etc.)
-
85% success Install build prerequisites and retry
apt-get install build-essential python3-dev && pip install setuptools wheel && pip install <package>
-
80% success Try installing a specific older version that has prebuilt wheels
pip install <package>==<older-version> where older version has wheels for your platform
Dead Ends
Common approaches that don't work:
-
Only read the final 'subprocess-exited-with-error' line
85% fail
This line is just the wrapper; the actual error with actionable information is in the preceding output
-
Upgrade pip to fix subprocess handling
80% fail
The error is not in pip's subprocess handling — it is in the package's build script that failed
Error Chain
Leads to:
Preceded by:
Frequently confused with: