Virtual environments
====================

The main purpose of Python virtual environments is to create an isolated environment for a Python project to have its own dependencies, regardless of other projects. We recommend that you create a new virtual environment for HiClass.

.. seealso::

   Read more about Python Virtual Environments here: `https://realpython.com/python-virtual-environments-a-primer/ <https://realpython.com/python-virtual-environments-a-primer/>`_.

Depending on your preferred installation method, you can create virtual environments for HiClass as follows:

- With :ref:`conda`, a package and environment manager program bundled with Anaconda.

- Without Anaconda, using :ref:`venv` or :ref:`pipenv`.

.. toctree::
    :hidden:

    conda
    venv
    pipenv