I used Python a lot, but missed pyenv. Used it for some weeks now and was thinking this is something I would like to know about earlier (thats normally when I post it to HN).

Also a bit confused as to why this is currently the #1 post.

Because it's not a solved problem, pyenv is niche and people discover it once again and think that they finally solved their pain.

They will try it, and most of them will pay the price for it.

It's a cycle.

Cue ominous Reaper sounds

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There are always new developers coming onboard that might have missed this handy tool. It's worth firing up the conversation on occasion.

I've used python lightly for a few decades now. I've never got far enough in to figure out how packages work. Once, at least 10 years ago, I briefly tried to use some published packages. I never figure out how to get it to work at all. Other than that, I've limited myself to what's available in the standard library. I've seen a lot of conflicting information about how python packages work, or should work. If there was a "one true way", I'd be interested. I don't want to have to compare a list of pros and cons. I want one officially blessed tool. I'll live with the constraints.

Packages is another story though. Pyenv is for Python versions. For me it’s either that or using Docker images. The later performed poorly with PyCharm when I tested a few years ago. I have seen an issue with Pyenv only once and not even on my machine.