JIGPX
JIGPX

Virtual Environments

Create and use venv with specific Python versions (Windows)

Why use a virtual environment?

  • Isolate dependencies per project.
  • Pin a Python version per project.
  • Avoid version conflicts across tools.

Check installed Python versions

Use the Python Launcher on Windows. Lists discovered versions and install paths.

py -0p

Create a venv with a specific version

From your project folder. This creates a .venv folder in the project.

# Python 3.11 example
py -3.11 -m venv .venv

# Or Python 3.12
py -3.12 -m venv .venv

Activate / Deactivate (PowerShell)

If activation is blocked, allow local scripts:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned
.\.venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1
# ...work inside the venv...
deactivate

Upgrade pip and install dependencies

python -m pip install --upgrade pip
pip install -r requirements.txt  # if present

Freeze and restore requirements

# Save current environment
pip freeze > requirements.txt

# Recreate later
pip install -r requirements.txt

VS Code: select interpreter

  • Open Command Palette: Ctrl+Shift+P
  • Run “Python: Select Interpreter”
  • Pick .venv\Scripts\python.exe