What's the Difference Between venv, virtualenv, pyenv, and Other Python Environment Managers?

Clarifying the Differences: venv, pyvenv, pyenv, virtualenv, and More

In the realm of Python, managing virtual environments and Python versions can be a complex task. A multitude of tools exist that operate in this space, but their overlapping names and functionalities can create confusion. Let's delve into the key differences between these commonly used packages.

PyPI Packages

• virtualenv: A popular tool that creates isolated Python environments for libraries. It modifies the PATH environment variable and places copies of Python commands in a custom bin directory. Packages can then be installed within these environments using pip.
• pyenv: Focuses on isolating Python versions, allowing for easy switching between different versions. PATH is modified to point to a directory containing special scripts that determine the Python version to execute. pyenv also simplifies downloading and installing multiple Python versions.
• pyenv-virtualenv: Extends pyenv, enabling the convenient use of pyenv and virtualenv together. It leverages venv if available, but also supports traditional virtualenv.
• virtualenvwrapper: Expands virtualenv's capabilities with additional commands for creating and managing multiple virtual environments, making it convenient for projects requiring numerous environments.
• pyenv-virtualenvwrapper: Integrates virtualenvwrapper into pyenv, providing a seamless experience for managing both virtual environments and Python versions.
• pipenv: Aims to combine Pipfile, pip, and virtualenv into a single command-line tool. It typically creates virtual environments in a specific location and is intended for developing Python applications.

Standard Library

• pyvenv: A script included with Python 3.3 to 3.7. Similar to venv, but less feature-rich. Removed from Python 3.8 due to issues.
• venv: A package in Python 3 that serves as an alternative to virtualenv with a subset of its features. It creates isolated Python environments, allowing for package management within those environments.

Recommendation for Beginners:

While each tool has its merits, virtualenv and pip are recommended as a starting point. These tools work with both Python 2 and 3 and provide a solid foundation. Other tools can be adopted once specific requirements arise.

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