- [[conda package manager]], [[python - virtual environments]], [[python - uv]]
```sh
# check if the python version you want has been installed (e.g., Python 3.9)
python3.9
# if command not found, download and install that python version from https://www.python.org/downloads/
# navigate to your working directory
cd my_working_directory
# create venv
# python3.x -m venv your_environment_name
# -m specifies the module
python3.9 -m venv venv
# activate venv
source venv/bin/activate
# deactivate venv
deactivate
# check python version
python -V
# list installed packages
pip list
# install package in venv
pip install pandas
```
Using `venv` with [[vscode]]
- open a folder in [[vscode]] first
- open terminal in vscode, then install a virtual environment with `venv` (follow instructions above)
- create a new python file and save it (this step will activate the Python extension in vscode)
- select your python environment (select it via menubar - bottom left, or use command palette)
- check `.vscode/settings.json` to ensure the `python.pythonPath` is set to the correct environment
- if it's wrong, manually update it
- open a new terminal to check if the correct python environment is automatically loaded
- use `python -V` to check python version in terminal
## Copy/reuse venv folder across directories
It's possible to copy/reuse a venv directory/folder across projects. Just make sure to change the `VIRTUAL_ENV` variable after copying/moving the venv folder.
```
# go inside venv/bin
# find all the activate* files
# open them and change the directory path to your new directory path
```
- [Copy venv from one folder to another and still be able to use it? - DEV Community](https://dev.to/geekypandey/copy-venv-from-one-folder-to-another-and-still-be-able-to-use-it-3m49)
# References
- https://www.python.org/downloads/
- https://stackoverflow.com/questions/22681824/how-do-i-use-different-python-version-in-venv-from-standard-library-not-virtua
- https://realpython.com/lessons/setting-up-environment-pandas-venv/