Virtual Environments

Python applications frequently use packages that are not standard. Because some applications may require different versions of these packages, it is convenient to use python in an isolated environment for each application. For example, maybe you need version 3.0 of package A for one application but version 4.5 for another application. Being able to quickly switch between package installations becomes important. Python virtual environments were designed for just this purpose. To install a virtual environment, follow the instructions below:

mkdir ~/environments
cd ~/environments

Create the virtual environment

virtualenv alloys 

Enter the virtual environment:

workon alloys 

You can exit the environment like this:

deactivate alloys