pyenv
Python version manager
Table of contents
What is pyenv
pyenv is a version manager for Python.
As it started off as a fork of rbenv, the syntax and usage are very similar.
It is a Python version manager not a virtual environment manager.
To manage a virtual environment for Python libraries, use in junction with venv, poetry, pipenv, etc.
Installation
Easiest way is to use Homebrew:
brew install pyenv
Then,
echo 'export PYENV_ROOT="$HOME/.pyenv"' >> ~/.zshrc
echo '[[ -d $PYENV_ROOT/bin ]] && export PATH="$PYENV_ROOT/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.zshrc
echo 'eval "$(pyenv init -)"' >> ~/.zshrc
You could also add the above to .zprofile as well.
Restart shell and install Python build dependencies:
brew install openssl readline sqlite3 xz zlib tcl-tk
Typical usage
To install a specific Python version for a project, navigate to your project root and do:
pyenv intall -l # Decide a version number
pyenv install -s 3.x.x # -s means skip installation if it already exists
pyenv rehash # Makes all Python binaries available to system
pyenv local 3.x.x # Make sure you're in project root
Basic commands
Full commands are listed here
Check activated Python version
pyenv version
Do not confuse with below. Notice the plural.
List installed Python versions
pyenv versions
List all available Python for install
pyenv install -l
Install a Python version
pyenv install 3.x.x
pyenv rehash
Uninstall a Python version
pyenv uninstall 3.x.x
Show installed directory
pyenv prefix 3.x.x
Set Python version
pyenv global 3.x.x
pyenv local 3.x.x
Show Python binary
pyenv which python3
Uninstall pyenv
Remove all shell startup configuration
Remove the following from .zprofile and .zshrc:
echo 'eval "$(pyenv init --path)"'
echo 'eval "$(pyenv init -)"'
Remove all Python versions
rm -rf $(pyenv root)
Remove pyenv
brew uninstall pyenv