---
part: pixi
title: Basic usage
description: Taking your first steps with pixi
---
Ensure you've got `pixi` set up. If running `pixi` doesn't show the help, see the [getting started](index.md) if it doesn't.
```shell
pixi
```
Initialize a new project and navigate to the project directory.
```shell
pixi init pixi-hello-world
cd pixi-hello-world
```
Add the dependencies you would like to use.
```shell
pixi add python
```
Create a file named `hello_world.py` in the directory and paste the following code into the file.
```py title="hello_world.py"
def hello():
print("Hello World, to the new revolution in package management.")
if __name__ == "__main__":
hello()
```
Run the code inside the environment.
```shell
pixi run python hello_world.py
```
You can also put this run command in a **task**.
```shell
pixi task add hello python hello_world.py
```
After adding the task, you can run the task using its name.
```shell
pixi run hello
```
Use the `shell` command to activate the environment and start a new shell in there.
```shell
pixi shell
python
exit
```
You've just learned the basic features of pixi:
1. initializing a project
2. adding a dependency.
2. adding a task, and executing it.
3. running a program.
Feel free to play around with what you just learned like adding more tasks, dependencies or code.
Happy coding!
## Use pixi as a global installation tool
Use pixi to install tools on your machine.
Some notable examples:
```shell
# Awesome cross shell prompt, huge tip when using pixi!
pixi global install starship
# Want to try a different shell?
pixi global install fish
# Install other prefix.dev tools
pixi global install rattler-build
# Install a linter you want to use in multiple projects.
pixi global install ruff
```