Football Analytics in Python

Following along the book using a VSCode Dev Container

Companion Repo in R

---

This project uses virtualenv in each chapter folder

virtualenv is another popular tool for creating isolated Python environments. While it doesn't handle dependency management like Pipenv, it’s simple, lightweight, and works well when you only need environment isolation. Here’s how to get started with virtualenv:

1. Install Virtualenv

First, install virtualenv using pip:

pip install virtualenv

2. Create a Virtual Environment

Navigate to your project directory and create a virtual environment. By convention, it’s usually called venv, but you can name it whatever you like:

virtualenv venv

This creates a venv folder with a standalone Python environment, including a separate bin or Scripts directory with its own Python interpreter and pip installer.

3. Activate the Virtual Environment

After creating the environment, activate it:

• On macOS/Linux:

  source venv/bin/activate

• On Windows:

  .\venv\Scripts\activate

Once activated, you’ll see (venv) or your environment name in the terminal prompt, indicating you’re working in the virtual environment.

4. Installing Packages

After activation, any package installed with pip is installed only within this environment:

pip install requests

You can freeze the current list of dependencies into a requirements.txt file:

pip freeze > requirements.txt

5. Deactivating the Virtual Environment

To exit the virtual environment and return to your system Python, simply run:

deactivate

6. Reproducing the Environment

To replicate the same environment on another machine:

• Create and activate a new virtualenv.
• Install the dependencies listed in requirements.txt:

  pip install -r requirements.txt

Summary of Virtualenv Commands

• Create Virtual Environment: virtualenv venv
• Activate Environment: source venv/bin/activate (macOS/Linux) or .\venv\Scripts\activate (Windows)
• Deactivate Environment: deactivate
• Install Packages: pip install package_name
• Save Dependencies: pip freeze > requirements.txt
• Install from Requirements: pip install -r requirements.txt

Pipenv vs Virtualenv

• Pipenv handles both environment and dependency management, making it ideal for complex projects.
• Virtualenv is lightweight and fast, but requires additional tools like pip and requirements.txt to manage dependencies.

If you want environment management with simpler tooling, go with virtualenv. If you need both environment and dependency management, Pipenv may be more convenient.