Windows py -m venv equivalent in Linux
Creates an isolated Python environment so project packages can be installed separately from the system Python.
py -m venv
python3 -m venv .venv
python3 -m venv .venv
python3 -m venv .venv
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "py -m venv" is used to create Python virtual environment. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "python3 -m venv .venv". Creates an isolated Python environment so project packages can be installed separately from the system Python. This reference is grouped under Developer Tools → Python.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows py -m venv maps to python3 -m venv .venv for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux development workflow.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Create Python virtual environment
Creates an isolated Python environment so project packages can be installed separately from the system Python.
python3 -m venv .venv
Create Python virtual environment
python3 --help
Show command help when supported
man python3
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
python3 -m venv .venv
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: py -m venv
python3 -m venv .venvReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
python3 -m venv .venv | Create Python virtual environment |
python3 --help | Show command help when supported |
man python3 | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
The command "python3 -m venv .venv" is the same in all three rows, while package or base details differ: Debian/Ubuntu uses install with apt when missing; Fedora uses install with dnf when missing; Arch uses install with pacman when missing.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | install with apt when missing | python3 -m venv .venv |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | install with dnf when missing | python3 -m venv .venv |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | install with pacman when missing | python3 -m venv .venv |
Same command on this distribution. |
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