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Python Environment Tools

A brief overview of various environment tools available for Python.

Manage Python Version​

Windows Store​

Windows Store offers multiple versions of Python.

Homebrew​

Homebrew can install multiple versions of Python, e.g.

brew install python@3.12
warning

Homebrew pythons exists to serve other formulas. Always use virtual environment and do not install other packages into Homebrew Python.

pyenv​

  • Install and managed multiple versions of Python on the same machine.
  • Control python version in global, local, and shell levels.
  • 👍🏻 Written in shell script, does not require pre-existed Python installation.
  • 👎🏻 Use shims to inject the correct Python version into your shell.

Virtual Environment​

venv​

  • Standard library module for creating lightweight virtual environments.
  • Built-in module in Python 3.3 and later.
python3 -m venv path-to-env
tip

Think about where you'd like to store your virtual environments.

DirectoryPathProsCons
Project directory./venvStraightforward and easy to manage.- Should be added to .gitignore
- Bloated project directory
User directory~/.virtualenvsManage virtual environments in one place- May pile up over time
- Easy to forget to delete after project completion

virtualenv​

  • The predecessor of venv.
  • Now offers as a more feature-rich edition of venv.
  • Use virtualenv if you need to...
    • Faster environment setup.
    • More control over the environment.

Manage Project Dependencies​

TODO

pipenv​

poetry​

pdm​

hatch​

uv​

rye​