How to Install matplotlib for Python 3.6 on WSL Using Conda

Learn the modern and reliable way to install matplotlib and related packages for Python 3.6 on WSL by using Miniconda environments instead of virtualenv.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/79514743/ asked by the user 'Andrea Barone' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/23538977/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/79519730/ provided by the user 'Andrea Barone' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/23538977/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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The Problem: Installing matplotlib on Python 3.6 in WSL

When working with Python 3.6 on Ubuntu 22.04 via WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), installing matplotlib using pip inside a virtualenv often results in build errors:

Failures when building wheels for matplotlib, kiwisolver, and pillow

Error messages like ERROR: Command errored out with exit status 1 and AttributeError: install_layout

These issues typically happen because older Python versions like 3.6 struggle to build modern packages from source, especially in environments like WSL without all build dependencies properly configured.



Why pip + virtualenv May Fail

Many packages rely on binary wheels for faster installation, which might be missing for Python 3.6 on your platform.

Building from source requires compilers and dependencies that WSL may lack or misconfigure.

Python 3.6 is reaching end-of-life, so newer releases of packages might drop support or complicate installation.



Recommended Solution: Use Miniconda Instead

Instead of fighting the build system, switch to Miniconda, a lightweight Python distribution that manages its own compiled binaries:

Steps

Install Miniconda for Linux from the official Miniconda page.

Create a new environment with Python 3.6:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Install matplotlib using conda-forge (or default channels):

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Benefits

Conda provides pre-built binary packages, eliminating the need to compile from source.

Avoids complex dependency issues and build errors.

Easy environment management and reproducibility.



Summary

If you encounter build errors while installing matplotlib and related packages with pip on Python 3.6 under WSL, the most straightforward fix is to switch from virtualenv to a Miniconda environment. This method handles dependencies and binaries gracefully, providing a hassle-free way to use older Python versions without compilation problems.



Feel free to explore Conda for managing Python environments, especially when working with legacy Python versions or complex packages.