Python 3.5 create virtualenv with python2.7

Question

I have Python 3.5 installed in my windows machine and that is the only version I have on my computer. I want to create a python2.7 virtual environment to try out a certain package. Is it possible to create a virtual environment with python2.7 binaries without installing Python 2.7 in my system?

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Nov 23 '17 at 15:46

1

To use a different Python interpreter, that interpreter needs to be on $PATH, which means a binary on your machine.

see --> https://stackoverflow.com/a/45293556/6813490

answered Nov 23 '17 at 15:46

Zach Valenta

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That means I need to install python27? – JeanVuda Nov 23 '17 at 15:53
yes indeed, although having multiple Python interpreters is not a hassle – Zach Valenta Nov 23 '17 at 17:17

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Feb 15 '20 at 17:05

You don't need to have your Python interpreter on $PATH, you can tell virtualenv where to find it. I found this blog post Installing Multiple Python Versions on Windows Using Virtualenv but the TL;DR is:

Open Command Prompt and enter pip install virtualenv.
Download the desired python version (do NOT add to PATH!), and remember the path\to\new_python.exe of the newly installed version.
To create a virtualenv, open Command Prompt and enter virtualenv \path\to\env -p path\to\new_python.exe.
To install packages:
1. Activate virtualenv: open Command Prompt and enter path\to\env\Scripts\activate.bat.
2. Install desired packages with pip.
3. Deactivate with deactivate.

Note python3 -m venv \path\to\env doesn't seem to suppport the -p parameter, you have to use virtualenv.

Python 3.5 create virtualenv with python2.7

2 Answers2