Virtual Environments

Virtual environments are isolated Python environments that allow developers to manage dependencies and packages separately for different projects. They prevent version conflicts by creating self-contained directories with their own Python interpreter and installed libraries. This tool is essential for maintaining clean, reproducible development and deployment setups.

Also known as: venv, virtualenv, Python virtual environment, isolated environment, env

Why learn Virtual Environments?

Developers should use virtual environments when working on multiple Python projects with conflicting dependency requirements, such as different versions of libraries like Django or NumPy. They are crucial for ensuring project portability, simplifying dependency management, and avoiding system-wide package pollution, especially in collaborative or production environments.

Learning Resources

• docs: Python Virtual Environments: A Primer
• tutorial: Real Python: Python Virtual Environments Guide
• video: Corey Schafer: Python Virtual Environments Tutorial
• tutorial: freeCodeCamp: How to Set Up a Python Virtual Environment