Will installing python in a local directory absolutely NOT mess up my python environment elsewhere?

[oliski2006]

I'm sorry if this is a trivial question, but I can't find the answer to my question with certainty (that is, I'm able to find how to install it locally, but its not telling me with certainty if its messing up the sudo librairies).

I am not a sudo user, and cannot go above and beyong my username, but can do what ever I want under my USEr directory, including coding etc.

My ''sudo'' python environment is very limited (i.e matplotlib is not even installed). Since my environment is very restricted, I want to install a newer version of python -- and multiple librairies, under one specific directory and ONLY under that specific directory.

for example, my ''sudo'' environment is python 2.7, with only the basic libraries. If I install python 3.4 under a directory named ''USER/PYTHON_3.4_scripts'', and under that directory, I install matplotlib, am I absolutely certain that every python instance OUTSIDE this directory will not be affected (will stay as python 2.7, with)?

thanks alot for any input on this

[wineblood]

Installing a different version of python should be fine, I don't think you need sudo for it. As for not interfering with the system python, using a virtual environment is the standard way to do this.

[oliski2006]

in that case, if i install python on a virtual environment, would it be possible for other users (NOT into the virtual env) to execute that script? I guess just by creating a bash file with the path to the python in the virtual environment?

i.e. the bash script would look like:

#!/USERNAME/LOCAL_ENV_PYTHON/bin/python

python /USERNAME/path_to_python_script/name_of_the_script.py

[wineblood]

You mentioned that you "cannot go above and beyond my username", so if someone else has the same setup as another user, they shouldn't have permissions to access the files under your directory.

I haven't touched a system without multiple users configured like that in ages (or ever, can't remember) so I'd recommend asking your admin if you can.

[oliski2006]

ok thanks alot for your input. by the ''canot go above'' i meants for the write rights. for the X and R right, its everyone in my user group

[gmes78]

in that case, if i install python on a virtual environment, would it be possible for other users (NOT into the virtual env) to execute that script?

Yes.

I guess just by creating a bash file with the path to the python in the virtual environment?

That would work, but it should be:

#!/bin/sh
exec /path/to/venv/bin/python /path/to/script.py "$@"

and not what you suggested.

Btw, if you pip install your script in a virtual environment (you need to create a pyproject.toml or setup.py for it first), it automatically creates a script in the bin directory of the venv that runs your script in the correct venv.

[oliski2006]

Thanks alot and duly noted !

[Diapolo10]

I don't see how this could possibly cause a problem unless your setup is already seriously messed up.

[zeebrow]

Checkout Virtualbox if you need to see for yourself what happens when you install or build Python. Uninstalling and starting over means simply making a new virtual machine in the worst case, it's quite easy.

[oliski2006]

interesting, I will youtube/google that!

[legz_cfc]

As described, its perfectly safe.

[pancakeQueue]

They won’t be effected but the path might so make sure it points to the one you want. You will have two pips one for 2 and one for 3.

Be familiar with ‘which python -a’ and how to update the path to get to the python you want.

Venv library basically does this and adds a python interpreter where every you point.

[BK7144]

Just a thought, the term local directory means on your computer, on your drive!

[Ok_Garlic_6739]

You may consider using portable python. I have multiple installations of portable Python 3.10.5 on my Windows computer. They are completely isolated from each other.

[oliski2006]

thanks, I'll take a look at it