Pipenv: Python Development Workflow for Humans

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What is Pipenv?

Pipenv is a Python virtualenv management tool that combines pip, virtualenv, and Pipfile into a single unified interface. It creates and manages virtual environments for your projects automatically, while also maintaining a Pipfile for package requirements and a Pipfile.lock for deterministic builds.

Linux, macOS, and Windows are all first-class citizens in Pipenv.

Why Use Pipenv?

Pipenv solves several critical problems in the Python development workflow:

  • Simplified Dependency Management: No need to use pip and virtualenv separately—they work together seamlessly.

  • Deterministic Builds: The Pipfile.lock ensures that the exact same environment can be reproduced across different systems.

  • Security First: Package hashes are documented in the lock file and verified during installation, preventing supply chain attacks.

  • Dependency Visibility: Easily visualize your dependency graph with pipenv graph.

  • Environment Isolation: Each project gets its own isolated virtual environment, preventing dependency conflicts.

  • Development Workflow Integration: Support for local customizations with .env files and development vs. production dependencies.

  • Latest Dependency Versions: Encourages the use of up-to-date dependencies to minimize security vulnerabilities.

Key Features

  • Deterministic Builds: Generates and checks file hashes for locked dependencies.

  • Python Version Management: Automatically installs required Python version when pyenv or asdf is available.

  • Project-Centric Workflow: Automatically finds your project home by looking for a Pipfile.

  • Automatic Environment Creation: Creates a virtualenv in a standard location when one doesn’t exist.

  • Simplified Package Management: Automatically adds/removes packages to a Pipfile when they are installed or uninstalled.

  • Environment Variable Management: Automatically loads .env files to support customization and overrides.

  • Package Categories: Support for organizing dependencies into different groups beyond just default and development packages.

Quick Start

Installation

The recommended way to install pipenv on most platforms is to install from PyPI using pip:

$ pip install --user pipenv

For more detailed installation instructions, see the Installing Pipenv chapter.

Basic Usage

Create a new project:

$ mkdir my_project && cd my_project
$ pipenv install

Install packages:

$ pipenv install requests

Create a Python file (e.g., main.py):

import requests

response = requests.get('https://httpbin.org/ip')
print(f'Your IP is {response.json()["origin"]}')

Run your script:

$ pipenv run python main.py

Activate the virtual environment:

$ pipenv shell

Pipenv Documentation

Pipenv Documentation

Contribution Guides

Contributing to Pipenv

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