Managing Python dependencies in isolated environments is a common practice in software development. But what if you need a quick, temporary virtual environment that you can discard after use? Here’s a simple tool and workflow to create throw-away Python virtual environments.
The Problem
While Python’s built-in venv or tools like virtualenv are excellent for managing environments, they require setup and cleanup. For quick experiments or isolated dependency installations, this process can feel cumbersome.
The Solution - tempyenv
You can use a simple shell script to automate the creation of throw-away virtual environments.
Simply install and use tempyenv
$ python -m pip install tempyenv
$ tempyenv
(tempyenv) is setting up your virtual environment...hold tight
Virtual environment created at /var/folders/4b/dnp21z017cg_rbgfdtzclqlm0000gn/T/tmpacwjkg5z/venv
Virtual environment loading from /var/folders/4b/dnp21z017cg_rbgfdtzclqlm0000gn/T/tmpacwjkg5z/venv
(tempyenv)(venv) $ pip install whatever_package_you_need
(tempyenv)(venv) $ exit # or ctrl-d