Creating python virtual environments on Mac OS with pyenv

Using pyenv

Install pyenv through homebrew:

brew install pyenv

List installed versions of python:

pyenv versions

List available versions of python that can be installed:

pyenv install --list

Virtual environment for python 3:

Install a specific version of python:

pyenv install 3.9.0

NOTE for Big Sur (MacOS 11) users:

If the install command fails, then try the command as

SYSTEM_VERSION_COMPAT=1 pyenv install 3.9.0

Switch to specific version of python in local terminal window:

pyenv local 3.9.0

Switch to specific version of python globally:

pyenv global 3.9.0

Switch to specific version of python using environment variable:

export PYENV_VERSION=3.9.0

Get pyenv root directory:

pyenv root

Access the python installation:

pyenv exec python --version

Create a virtual environment from specific python version:

pyenv exec python -m venv .venv

Source the virtual environment

source .venv/bin/activate

Virtual environment for python 2:

Install a specific version of python:

pyenv install 2.7.18

Switch to specific version of python:

pyenv local 2.7.18

Access the python installation:

pyenv exec python --version

Install virutal environment package from specific python version:

pyenv exec pip install virtualenv

Verify the virtualenv version:

pyenv exec virtualenv --version

Create a virtual environment from specific python version:

pyenv exec virtualenv .venv

Source the virtual environment

source .venv/bin/activate

Working with virtualenv:

Activate the virutal environment:

source .venv/bin/activate

Verify the python version:

python --version

Deactivate / exit the virtual environment:

deactivate