Make --resume-retries the default in pip install

[gmargaritis]

Following our discussion in #12991, I'm opening this issue to keep track of updating the default of --resume-retries to 5 or a similar low number for pip install as per #12991 (review).

Let me know if you have any thoughts on this!

Code of Conduct

• I agree to follow the PSF Code of Conduct.

[ichard26]

I haven't seen any bug reports related to download resumption since the pip 25.1 release. I'm in favour of setting the defualt for --resume-retries to 5.

[notatallshaw]

I'm also supportive of changing the default for 25.2, especially if that's the only thing done (no change in the logic of how it works). If there are problems it would be trivial to revert, and we've had no issues raised so far with the current logic.

[ichard26]

I have a open PR which refactors the HTTP downloading code for what it's worth: #13383. I would like to merge it, but if we aren't comfortable with doing both a refactoring and flipping the default, that's fine too. Although that raises a question of scheduling since ideally the code would be stable before flipping the default so the refactoring would land first in pip 25.2 and then default switch in pip 25.3. That's an awfully long period though, it doesn't sound like a desirable outcome to anyone.

[notatallshaw]

I would be more comfortable doing the refactoring and changing the default on separate releases. But I wouldn't block it.