python -m sysconfig

[Skaperen]

i get this:

Output:
lt1a/forums/2 /home/forums 4> python -m sysconfig|fgrep userbase
	userbase = "/home/forums/.local"
lt1a/forums/2 /home/forums 5> 

does Python use that directory for anything in particular? apparently, Xfce uses it. i hope there are no conflicts.

[Gribouillis]

i hope there are no conflicts.

There should be no conflicts. Python uses subdirectories such as lib/python3.10 or bin/ . This directory resembles /usr and /usr/local, only for a single user. Several programs can use it.

[Skaperen]

so, whatever might be in /usr/local for the whole system could be put in ~/.local (such as subdirectory lib) for the individual user who might be installing something that she wants and no one else cares about (such as the system administrator).

[Gribouillis]

Essentially yes. For example if you install the bm command line bookmarks utility, just type

Output:
python -m pip install bm

And this installs the executable in ~/.local/bin/bm

Normally, $HOME/.local/bin should be on your $PATH.