Registry / data / bioversions

bioversions

JSON →
library0.10.51pypypi✓ verified 85d ago

Bioversions is a Python library (current version 0.8.324) that provides programmatic access to the current version numbers for a wide array of biological databases. It aims to simplify the integration of up-to-date database versions into bioinformatics workflows and tools. The library actively maintains and daily updates a static listing of these versions, reflecting a frequent release cadence for its internal data, while the library itself sees regular patch updates.

pip install bioversions
INSTALL
IMPORT
SIG · BIOVERSIONS
B
bioversions
datapythonv0.10.51
Install
14.1s avg
Import
7396ms
Disk
246MB
Pass rate
10/ 10
Env Coverage10 / 10
glibc
3.93.13
musl
3.93.13
Install & Compatibility
Where this runs
tested against v0.10.51 · pip install
no network on importno background threads
Install × environment matrix
Each cell = how many times install + import succeeded across repeated harness runs. Partial = flaky.
glibc = Debian/Ubuntu slim · musl = Alpine Linux
musl
py 3.103.920 runs
installs and imports cleanly · install 0.0s · import 7.661s · 238.9MB
glibc
py 3.103.920 runs
installs and imports cleanly · install 14.1s · import 7.132s · 234MB
246MB installed
● package 246MB
Code
Verified usage

Verified import paths — ran on the pinned version, not inferred.

bioversions
import bioversions

This quickstart demonstrates how to import the `bioversions` library and retrieve the current version of a biological database, such as BioGRID, using `get_version()` for a simple string or `resolve()` for more detailed metadata.

import bioversions # Get the current version for a specific database (e.g., BioGRID) biogrid_version = bioversions.get_version('biogrid') print(f"Current BioGRID version: {biogrid_version}") # Get more detailed information using resolve() bioversion_obj = bioversions.resolve('biogrid') print(f"BioGRID version object: {bioversion_obj.version} (updated {bioversion_obj.date})")
Debug
Known issues
gotchaThe versions returned by `bioversions` are dynamic and reflect the current state of external biological databases. Hardcoding specific version strings in tests or logic will eventually lead to `AssertionError` or incorrect behavior as databases update.
fix
Design code to be robust to version changes. For testing, consider using version comparison (e.g., `version >= 'expected_min_version'`) or mock results. Avoid direct equality checks with specific version strings unless explicitly testing for a historical state.
affects: All versions
gotchaResults are cached locally (default: `~/.data/bioversions`) and refreshed only once per day. If you need immediate updates or are debugging, ensure to consider the cache's daily refresh cycle.
fix
To bypass the cache for a specific call (if a method supports it, check documentation) or to force a refresh (e.g., by clearing the cache via `bioversions.clear_cache()`), or by manually deleting the cache directory. Note: `clear_cache()` refreshes for the next call.
affects: All versions
gotchaThe default cache location (`~/.data/bioversions`) can be inconvenient in some environments. While the library is generally stable, its dependence on external databases means their internal APIs or naming conventions might change, potentially affecting the accuracy of retrieved versions.
fix
Override the cache location by setting the `BIOVERSIONS_HOME` environment variable to a desired path before running your application. For robust production systems, monitor the upstream databases' release notes for major structural changes.
affects: All versions
Errors
Common errors & fixes
ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'bioversions'
The `bioversions` package has not been installed in the current Python environment.
fix
Run `pip install bioversions` to install the library.
AssertionError: This was true on Dec 5th, 2020!
This specific assertion, often found in older documentation or copied from examples, fails because the actual version of the biological database (e.g., BioGRID) has since been updated, as `bioversions` correctly reflects the current version.
fix
Update your assertions to reflect the current expected version, or use `bioversions.get_version()` dynamically in your tests without hardcoding a specific version string, if appropriate for your test's intent.
KeyError: 'some_nonexistent_database'
Attempted to retrieve a version for a database name that `bioversions` does not recognize or that is misspelled.
fix
Verify the correct spelling and availability of the database name by checking the `bioversions` documentation or by iterating through `bioversions.iter_versions()` to see supported names.
Upgrade
Version history
0.10.51latest on PyPI · released Jun 15, 2026
Audit
Dependencies

No dependency data recorded yet.

Agent activity
15 hits · last 30 days
node
14
OpenAI (training)
1
Resources