> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.encord.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 1. Prerequisites and Installation

## Prerequisites

Before you can utilize Encord's Python SDK, you must ensure that the following prerequisites are met:

* `pip` is installed.
* [Python 3](https://www.python.org/downloads/) is installed.

<Tip>While not strictly a requirement, we recommend that you use a virtual environment in which to install the SDK and run your projects from. See [this tutorial](https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/how-to-setup-virtual-environments-in-python/) to learn how to set up and activate virtual environments. </Tip>

***

## Installation

The Encord SDK is available through [pypi](https://pypi.org/) and is installed using the following command:

```terminal theme={"dark"}
python3 -m pip install encord
```

After successfully installing the Encord SDK, move on to the [Authentication page](/sdk-documentation/general-sdk/authentication-sdk) to learn how users get authenticated in Encord.

***

## IP Allowlisting

If your network restricts outbound traffic, add Encord's IP addresses to your allowlist to allow the Encord SDK to communicate with the Encord platform and manage your resources successfully.

<Warning>
  US Deployment refers to customers working on Encord's US-hosted instance, rather than simply being located in the United States.
</Warning>

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Default Deployment (EMEA)">
    * `34.36.33.227/32`
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="US Deployments">
    * `34.111.173.170/32`
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Show Version Number

Always ensure you are running the latest version of the Encord SDK by using the following terminal command:

<Note>The current SDK version can be found on the [pypi page](https://pypi.org/project/encord/).</Note>

```terminal theme={"dark"}
pip show encord
```

***

### Upgrade SDK version

Upgrade your SDK version using the following command:

```terminal theme={"dark"}
pip install encord --upgrade
```