What is Python Virtual Environment?

Question

Anubhav Kumar · Answer

A Python Virtual Environment (venv) is an isolated environment that allows you to install and manage Python packages
independently from your system-wide Python installation. This helps prevent version conflicts between different projects.
Here’s a quick guide to understanding and using it:
Why Use a Virtual Environment?
Without a venv:
All packages are installed globally (shared by all projects).Upgrading/downgrading a package may break other projects.
With a venv:
Each project has its own set of dependencies.Safe to use different package versions in different projects.
How to Create and Use a Virtual Environment
1. Check Python Installation
python --version
# or sometimes
python3 --version
2. Create a Virtual Environment
python -m venv myenv
This creates a folder named myenv containing a private Python setup.You can change myenv to any name you like.
3. Activate the Virtual Environment
Windows:
myenv\Scripts\activate
macOS/Linux:
source myenv/bin/activate
After activation, your terminal prompt will show:
(myenv) C:\projectandgt;
4. Install Packages Inside the venv
pip install requests
Check installed packages:
pip list
5. Freeze Dependencies (optional but important)
Save all installed packages to a file:
pip freeze andgt; requirements.txt
Later, you can recreate the same environment with:
pip install -r requirements.txt
6. Deactivate the Virtual Environment
deactivate
Alternative Tools
Tool
Description
venv
Built into Python 3 — simple and lightweight
virtualenv
Older but feature-rich; works for Python 2 and 3
pipenv
Combines pip + venv + dependency locking
poetry
Modern tool for dependency management and packaging

Tool	Description
`venv`	Built into Python 3 — simple and lightweight
`virtualenv`	Older but feature-rich; works for Python 2 & 3
`pipenv`	Combines `pip` + `venv` + dependency locking
`poetry`	Modern tool for dependency management and packaging

interview

What is Python Virtual Environment?

Anubhav Kumar

Can you answer this question?

1 Answers

Why Use a Virtual Environment?

How to Create and Use a Virtual Environment

1. Check Python Installation

2. Create a Virtual Environment

3. Activate the Virtual Environment

4. Install Packages Inside the venv

5. Freeze Dependencies (optional but important)

6. Deactivate the Virtual Environment

Alternative Tools

Liked By