My Direnv setup for Python & JS isolated development

---

---

AI Summary

Summary of Video Transcript

• Topic: Isolating project environments using direnv, pyenv, and nvm.
• Problem: Returning to an old project and finding it doesn’t work due to global dependency updates.
• Solution: Using direnv to set environment variables per directory.

Detailed Instructions and Tips

• direnv:
  • Creates a .envrc file in a project directory.
  • Automatically loads/unloads environment variables when entering/exiting the directory.
  • Can set specific versions of tools and languages for a project.
  • Example: export HELLO=42 in .envrc sets the HELLO environment variable.
  • Security feature: Requires direnv allow to approve running new .envrc content.
  • Installation: Packaged in most distributions, hook into shell with eval "$(direnv hook bash)" in .bashrc.
• pyenv:
  • Manages Python versions.
  • Install with curl or git.
  • Hook into shell similar to direnv.
  • Use pyenv install to install specific Python versions.
  • Specify Python version in .envrc with layout pyenv <version>.
• nvm (Node Version Manager):
  • Manages Node.js versions.
  • Install with a curl script.
  • Hook into shell by adding a snippet to .bashrc or .profile.
  • Use nvm install <version> to install specific Node versions.
  • Specify Node version in .envrc with use node <version>.
  • Requires an additional function in .envrc for proper setup.

Conclusion

• Usage: direnv with pyenv and nvm allows for isolated Python and Node.js environments in project directories.
• Benefit: Keeps the global system clean and prevents errors from outdated dependencies.

(Note: No URLs or CLI commands were provided in the text for extraction.)