Python

venv Commands

Create isolated Python environments with the built-in venv module. Essential for managing project dependencies without conflicts.

8 commands

Pro Tips

Add 'venv/' or '.venv/' to .gitignore - never commit virtual environments.

Use '--upgrade-deps' to install latest pip and setuptools in new venvs.

Name your venv '.venv' for automatic detection by most IDEs.

Common Mistakes

Virtual environments are not portable - recreate them on each machine.

On Windows, you may need to enable PowerShell script execution first.

Commands

Create venv

$ python -m venv venv

Create a virtual environment named 'venv'.

Create .venv

$ python -m venv .venv

Create venv with hidden directory (IDE-friendly).

Activate (Linux/macOS)

$ source venv/bin/activate

Activate virtual environment on Unix systems.

Activate (Windows)

$ venv\Scripts\activate

Activate virtual environment on Windows.

Activate (PowerShell)

$ venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1

Activate virtual environment in PowerShell.

Deactivate

$ deactivate

Exit the virtual environment.

Create with system packages

$ python -m venv venv --system-site-packages

Create venv with access to system packages.

Create and upgrade pip

$ python -m venv venv --upgrade-deps

Create venv with latest pip and setuptools.