Bug summary

I'm trying to install matplotlib in development mode for a PR, and I'm using this for installing it in dev mode (from here):

python -m pip install --verbose --no-build-isolation --editable ".[dev]"

I've tried all the basic stuffs (removing/re-creating the venv, etc), but I don't understand the error.

Code for reproduction

Right after I git cloned and cd matplotlib:

python -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate
pip install -r requirements/dev/dev-requirements.txt
pip install -r requirements/doc/doc-requirements.txt
pip install -r requirements/testing/all.txt
python -m pip install --verbose --no-build-isolation --editable ".[dev]"

Actual outcome

Using pip 22.0.4 from /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/venv/lib/python3.10/site-packages/pip (python 3.10)
Obtaining file:///Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib
Running command Checking if build backend supports build_editable
Checking if build backend supports build_editable ... done
Running command Preparing editable metadata (pyproject.toml)

• meson setup /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/build/cp310 -Dbuildtype=release -Db_ndebug=if-release -Db_vscrt=md --native-file=/Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/build/cp310/meson-python-native-file.ini
  The Meson build system
  Version: 1.8.0
  Source dir: /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib
  Build dir: /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/build/cp310
  Build type: native build
  Program python3 python found: NO found 3.10.5 but need: '>= 3.11'

../../meson.build:6:4: ERROR: Program 'python3 python' not found or not executable

A full log can be found at /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/build/cp310/meson-logs/meson-log.txt
error: subprocess-exited-with-error

× Preparing editable metadata (pyproject.toml) did not run successfully.
│ exit code: 1
╰─> See above for output.

note: This error originates from a subprocess, and is likely not a problem with pip.
full command: /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/venv/bin/python /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/venv/lib/python3.10/site-packages/pip/_vendor/pep517/in_process/_in_process.py prepare_metadata_for_build_editable /var/folders/m2/jfzxyg4s0xz3jyw5f94r7tcm0000gn/T/tmpwu3byzgi
cwd: /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib
Preparing editable metadata (pyproject.toml) ... error
error: metadata-generation-failed

× Encountered error while generating package metadata.
╰─> See above for output.

note: This is an issue with the package mentioned above, not pip.
hint: See above for details.

Expected outcome

Successfully install matplotlib in development mode.

Additional information

• I'm not sure why I have this version of Python installed here

• I tried with pip latest (25.1.1), and it doesn't change anything

• meson-log.txt

Build started at 2025-05-11T19:18:42.156591
Main binary: /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/venv/bin/python
Build Options: -Dbuildtype=release -Db_ndebug=if-release -Db_vscrt=md --native-file=/Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/build/cp310/meson-python-native-file.ini
Python system: Darwin
The Meson build system
Version: 1.8.0
Source dir: /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib
Build dir: /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/build/cp310
Build type: native build
Running command: /Users/josephbarbier/Desktop/matplotlib/venv/bin/python --version
--- stdout ---
Python 3.10.5

--- stderr ---

Program python3 python found: NO found 3.10.5 but need: '>= 3.11'

../../meson.build:6:4: ERROR: Program 'python3 python' not found or not executable

Operating system

MacOS Sequoia 15.4.1

Matplotlib Version

3.10.3

Matplotlib Backend

macosx

Python version

Python 3.10.5

Jupyter version

No response

Installation

pip