Operating System Python
- Do not use the Python included with your operating system. Using the system Python can break system tools, cause permission errors, introduce version conflicts, as well as limit reproducibility and flexibility with code development.
- Use a tool like uv to install and manage Python instead of using the system Python. This will avoid all the issues associated with using the operating system Python.
Anaconda and Pixi
- Anaconda offers easy installation and package management for multi-language projects but its license restrictions can be cost prohibitive.
- Pixi is a good alternative to Anaconda/Conda but it still relies on uv for Python package management.
- For Python projects, uv offers better dependency management and faster installation compared to Anaconda/Conda and Pixi.
Running Python Scripts
- A Python script is just a single Python file.
- Dependencies can be added to a script to make it self contained.
- Scripts can easily be run with uv which handles Python installation and dependency management.
Working with Python Projects
- A Python project is just a directory of Python files with a
pyproject.tomlfile for configuration. - Use uv to easily add dependencies to a Python project and collaborate with other developers.
Using Python Tools
- A Python package with a command-line interface is a Python tool.
- A Python tool can be installed, run, and managed with the
uv toolcommand. - With uv, Python tools can be easily installed on any operating system.