# Virtualenv First

> Use when running Python commands or installing Python dependencies. Prefer the project's virtual environment and avoid global or system-level Python when an isolated environment is available.

- Skill: `gdebenedetti/virtualenv-first` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add gdebenedetti/virtualenv-first`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/gdebenedetti/virtualenv-first/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: gdebenedetti (https://skillmd.com/u/gdebenedetti)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/gdebenedetti/virtualenv-first

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# Virtualenv First

Use this skill for Python setup, installs, tests, linters, and app commands.

- Prefer the project's virtual environment (`.venv`, `venv`, or the repo-documented env) for `python`, `pip`, `pytest`, and CLI entrypoints.
- Activate it or call binaries directly, for example `.venv/bin/python` or `.venv/bin/pytest`.
- Avoid global installs and global Python unless the task explicitly requires system scope or no project environment exists.
- If no environment exists, create one before installing Python dependencies.
- When documenting commands, show the virtualenv-aware form first.