Difference between `pipenv` and `python -m venv` Environments

Difference between pipenv and python -m venv Environments in Python

Both pipenv and python -m venv are tools used to create isolated Python environments, but they serve slightly different purposes and have different features.

Here's a side-by-side comparison:

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🆚 Pipenv vs python -m venv

Feature	pipenv	python -m venv
🧠 Purpose	Virtualenv + Dependency Management Tool	Just creates a virtual environment
📦 Handles requirements.txt	Uses Pipfile and Pipfile.lock instead	You manage requirements.txt manually
🔁 Dependency resolution	Automatically resolves compatible versions	You install packages manually
🧪 Automatically installs pip	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
🔍 Easy to see dependencies	pipenv graph	No built-in dependency graph viewer
📂 Creates .venv folder	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (default is .venv or env)
⚡ Run scripts inside env	pipenv run your_script.py	.\venv\Scripts\python your_script.py
💬 Enter shell	pipenv shell	.\venv\Scripts\activate (Windows)
📁 Lockfile support	✅ (Pipfile.lock)	❌ You must create requirements.txt
🔄 Version pinning	✅ Built-in	Manual (you pin versions in requirements.txt)

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💡 Summary

• Use python -m venv if:

  • You want a lightweight, simple virtual environment
  • You prefer managing dependencies manually with pip install + requirements.txt

• Use pipenv if:

  • You want an all-in-one tool for managing dependencies and virtual environments
  • You like automatic lockfile creation and version resolution
  • You want a pip install + venv combo with nicer CLI commands

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🔧 Real-World Example

Using python -m venv:

python -m venv venv
.\venv\Scripts\activate
pip install fastapi
pip freeze > requirements.txt

Using pipenv:

pipenv install fastapi
pipenv shell
# Pipfile and Pipfile.lock are auto-managed