---
tags:
  - macOS
  - Tahoe
  - python
  - venv
  - virtual-environment
  - pip
title: Creating Python Virtual Environments with venv on macOS Tahoe
---

# Creating Python Virtual Environments with venv on macOS Tahoe

`venv` is a built-in module in Python 3 for creating lightweight "virtual environments". Each virtual environment has its own independent set of installed Python packages, allowing you to isolate project dependencies. This prevents conflicts between different projects that might require different versions of the same package.

## Prerequisites

*   Python 3.3 or later must be installed on your system. macOS Tahoe comes with Python pre-installed, but it is often an older version. It's recommended to install a newer version using [Miniconda](miniconda.md) or Homebrew.

## Creating a Virtual Environment

1.  Open your terminal and navigate to your project directory (or create one).
2.  Run the following command:

    ```zsh
    python3 -m venv .venv
    ```

    *   `python3`: Specifies the Python 3 executable.
    *   `-m venv`: Tells Python to run the `venv` module.
    *   `.venv`: The name of the virtual environment directory. It's common to name it `.venv` to keep it hidden and out of the way.

## Activating the Virtual Environment

Before you can use the virtual environment, you need to activate it. This modifies your shell's PATH to use the Python executable and packages within the environment.

```zsh
source .venv/bin/activate
```

Your terminal prompt will change to indicate that the environment is active (e.g., `(.venv) $`).

## Installing Packages

With the virtual environment activated, you can install packages using `pip`:

```zsh
pip install requests pandas numpy
```

These packages will be installed only within the virtual environment, not globally on your system.

## Deactivating the Virtual Environment

When you are finished working on the project, deactivate the environment:

```zsh
deactivate
```

Your terminal prompt will return to normal.

## Related Guides
*   Installing Python in User Space with Miniconda on macOS Tahoe
*   Pip (Installing packages without sudo)