Pipenv is a tool for managing Python dependencies. It is a wrapper around pip and virtualenv.

Pipenv was created to solve the "works on my machine" problem that plagued Python development. Before Pipenv, managing dependencies and virtual environments required juggling multiple tools and manual processes, leading to inconsistent development environments across teams.

https://github.com/pypa/pipenv

Why Use Pipenv?

  • Unified Workflow: Pipenv streamlines the process of managing your project's dependencies and virtual environments into a single command-line tool, making it easier to keep everything organized.

  • Automatic Virtual Environments: When you install a package, Pipenv automatically creates a virtual environment and installs your packages within it, keeping your global Python environment clean.

  • Lockfiles for Deterministic Builds: Pipenv uses a Pipfile to specify your dependencies and a Pipfile.lock to lock them down. This ensures that you and your team always install the exact same versions, minimizing the "works on my machine" problem.

The Pipfile.lock concept was inspired by similar approaches in other ecosystems like npm's package-lock.json and Ruby's Gemfile.lock. This deterministic approach to dependency management became a cornerstone of modern Python development practices.

  • Enhanced Security: By leveraging hash verification, Pipenv ensures that the packages you install are secure and haven't been tampered with.

  • Simplified Dependency Management: Pipenv abstracts away the complexity of managing dependencies, making it easier for developers to focus on writing code instead of wrestling with dependency issues.

Key Features

  • Pipfile and Pipfile.lock: These files replace the traditional requirements.txt, offering a more readable and secure way to manage dependencies.
  • Automatic environment management: Automatically create and manage a virtual environment for your project.
  • Seamless integration: Works perfectly with Python's pip and virtualenv, making it an easy transition for users familiar with these tools.
  • Cross-platform support: Pipenv works across all major platforms, ensuring a consistent experience for all developers.

Pipenv's adoption by the Python Packaging Authority (PyPA) as an official project marked a significant shift in Python's packaging ecosystem. This endorsement helped standardize dependency management practices across the Python community.

Get Started with Pipenv

To get started with Pipenv, simply install it using pip:

$ pip install pipenv

After installation, you can create a new project, install dependencies, and start working in an isolated environment:

$ pipenv install requests
$ pipenv shell

Pipenv will handle the rest, from setting up the environment to locking your dependencies. Whether you are a seasoned Python developer or just getting started, Pipenv simplifies your workflow, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—building great software.