pipenv

Python dependency and virtual environment manager that unifies pip, virtualenv, and Pipfile into a single workflow. It automatically creates and manages project-scoped virtual environments while maintaining a Pipfile for requirements and a Pipfile.lock for reproducible installs.

Maintained by the Python Packaging Authority, it serves teams who want a project-centric workflow without juggling pip and virtualenv separately. Unlike plain requirements.txt, Pipfile.lock pins exact versions and records hashes for supply chain integrity.

Key features:

• Deterministic installs via Pipfile.lock with hash verification
• Project-centric workflow that auto-detects Pipfile and creates virtualenvs
• Dev and production dependency groups beyond a single requirements list
• Integrates with pyenv or asdf for Python version management
• Loads .env files and exposes pipenv graph for dependency visibility

Developers use it for local Python projects, microservices, and reproducible CI/CD environments. It fits teams migrating from requirements.txt or virtualenv, and plays well with Docker and common CI systems.