# How to Install holehe: PyPI, Source, and Docker Methods Explained

> Install holehe easily using pip3, clone the GitHub repo, or leverage Docker. Get started with this powerful tool today.

- Repository: [Palenath/holehe](https://github.com/megadose/holehe)
- Tags: getting-started
- Published: 2026-08-16

---

**You can install holehe three ways: via `pip3 install holehe` for the simplest setup, by cloning the GitHub repository and running `python3 setup.py install` for development builds, or using Docker for isolated execution.**

holehe is an asynchronous OSINT tool by **megadose** that checks email addresses against hundreds of websites to find registered accounts. This guide covers every installation method documented in the official repository, helping you choose the right approach for your environment.

---

## Install holehe from PyPI (Recommended)

The fastest way to get started is installing the latest release from the Python Package Index.

```bash
pip3 install holehe

```

This command pulls the package and makes the `holehe` CLI available globally. It automatically handles all dependencies defined in [`setup.py`](https://github.com/megadose/holehe/blob/main/setup.py)【/cache/repos/github.com/megadose/holehe/master/setup.py†L1-L30】.

Verify the installation:

```bash
holehe --help

```

---

## Install holehe from Source

Use this method if you need unreleased features, want to modify modules, or contribute to development.

**Step 1:** Clone the repository

```bash
git clone https://github.com/megadose/holehe.git
cd holehe/

```

**Step 2:** Install via setuptools

```bash
python3 setup.py install

```

The [`setup.py`](https://github.com/megadose/holehe/blob/main/setup.py) script orchestrates dependency resolution and registers entry points for the `holehe` command【/cache/repos/github.com/megadose/holehe/master/setup.py†L1-L30】.

For editable development installs (changes reflect immediately):

```bash
pip3 install -e .

```

---

## Run holehe with Docker

Docker provides complete isolation from your host Python environment—ideal for security research or CI/CD pipelines.

**Step 1:** Build the image

```bash
docker build . -t my-holehe-image

```

The repository's `Dockerfile` packages holehe with all required dependencies【/cache/repos/github.com/megadose/holehe/master/Dockerfile†L1-L30】.

**Step 2:** Execute a check

```bash
docker run --rm my-holehe-image holehe test@gmail.com

```

The `--rm` flag removes the container after execution, keeping your system clean.

---

## Verify Your Installation

After installation—regardless of method—test holehe with a sample email:

```bash
holehe alice@example.com

```

For programmatic use, import modules directly from the `holehe.core` package【/cache/repos/github.com/megadose/holehe/master/holehe/core.py†L80-L33】:

```python
import trio
import httpx
from holehe.modules.social_media.snapchat import snapchat

async def main():
    email = "alice@example.com"
    out = []
    client = httpx.AsyncClient()
    await snapchat(email, client, out)
    print(out)
    await client.aclose()

trio.run(main)

```

This pattern appears in the README's Python example section【/cache/repos/github.com/megadose/holehe/master/README.md†L50-L70】, demonstrating how to leverage holehe's async architecture in custom scripts.

---

## Installation Requirements

- **Python 3.7+** (required for async/await syntax used throughout the codebase)
- **pip3** or **Docker** (depending on installation method)
- Stable internet connection (holehe makes concurrent HTTP requests to target sites)

---

## Summary

- **PyPI install** (`pip3 install holehe`) — Fastest, best for most users
- **Source install** (`git clone` + [`setup.py`](https://github.com/megadose/holehe/blob/main/setup.py)) — Latest code, development work
- **Docker** — Isolated execution, no host dependencies
- Entry point: [`holehe.core.py`](https://github.com/megadose/holehe/blob/main/holehe.core.py) contains CLI logic and async orchestration【/cache/repos/github.com/megadose/holehe/master/holehe/core.py†L80-L33】
- Individual modules located in `holehe/modules/` directory

---

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What Python version does holehe require?

holehe requires **Python 3.7 or higher**. The codebase uses `async`/`await` syntax and the `trio` concurrency library, both of which depend on modern Python features.

### Can I install holehe without affecting my system Python?

Yes. Use **Docker** for complete isolation, or create a **virtual environment** before pip installation: `python3 -m venv venv && source venv/bin/activate && pip3 install holehe`.

### Where are the installation instructions officially documented?

All three methods are documented in the project's [`README.md`](https://github.com/megadose/holehe/blob/main/README.md)【/cache/repos/github.com/megadose/holehe/master/README.md†L22-L33】, which the maintainer updates with each release.

### How do I run holehe after installing from source?

After `python3 setup.py install`, the `holehe` command should be available in your shell. If not found, check that your Python scripts directory is in your `PATH` or use `python3 -m holehe` as a fallback.