What are the Differences Between Python's `venv`, `virtualenv`, `pyenv`, `virtualenvwrapper`, and `pipenv` for Environment Management?

Deciphering the Differences between Package Suite for Python Environment Management

The standard library of Python 3.3 introduced the venv package, a novel tool for creating isolated Python environments. However, there exists an array of similar-sounding packages, such as pyvenv, pyenv, virtualenv, virtualenvwrapper, and pipenv, prompting questions about their distinctions.

External PyPI Packages

Several crucial packages dwell outside the standard library, each serving distinct purposes:

• Virtualenv: A widely adopted tool for creating segregated Python environments to host libraries. It installs files to a designated directory and modifies the PATH variable to include a custom bin directory. Python locates libraries relative to its path within the environment directory.
• Pyenv: Focuses on isolating Python versions. It switches between various versions by manipulating the PATH variable and utilizing scripts that determine which version to execute based on specific environment variables or files. Pyenv simplifies the process of downloading and installing multiple Python versions.
• Pyenv-Virtualenv: A pyenv extension that seamlessly integrates virtualenv, allowing for simultaneous utilization of both tools. However, for Python 3.3 or later, it leverages venv if available.
• Virtualenvwrapper: Extends virtualenv, providing convenient commands for managing multiple virtualenv directories and switching between them.
• Pyenv-Virtualenvwrapper: Another pyenv extension, this one gracefully integrates virtualenvwrapper into pyenv.
• Pipenv: Aims to streamline Pipfile, pip, and virtualenv into a cohesive command-line tool. Virtualenv directories are placed in specific directory locations, differing from virtualenv's preference for the current working directory. Pipenv's primary focus is developing Python applications.

Standard Library Modules

Within the Python standard library resides additional relevant packages:

• Pyvenv: A script shipped with Python 3.3 to 3.7 (removed in 3.8), which resembles virtualenv with limited features.
• Venv: A package present in Python 3, accessible through python3 -m venv. It shares the same purpose as virtualenv, albeit with a narrower range of functionalities. Venv lags behind virtualenv in popularity due to its platform limitations.

Infographic Summary

Package	Description	External Tools	Standard Tools
Virtualenv	Python library environment isolation	Pyenv-Virtualenv	N/A
Pyenv	Python version management	Pyenv-Virtualenvwrapper	N/A
Virtualenvwrapper	Virtualenv directory manager	N/A	N/A
Pyenv-Virtualenvwrapper	Pyenv and Virtualenvwrapper integration	N/A	N/A
Pipenv	Pipfile, pip, and virtualenv integration	N/A	N/A
Pyvenv	Python 3 counterpart to virtualenv (Python 2 only)	N/A	Python 3.3-3.7
Venv	Python 3 counterpart to virtualenv	N/A	Python 3

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