Vovy installs Python, makes a virtual environment for the project, installs requirements.txt, and avoids the "externally-managed-environment" pip error.
Install Python and set up a venv so I can run this script from GitHub
How it works
- Check for Python: Vovy runs python3 --version. macOS ships only a stub that points to Apple's tools, so most people need a proper install.
- Install Python: Vovy installs a current Python with Homebrew and confirms python3 now points to that copy.
- Create a virtual environment: Vovy runs python3 -m venv .venv in your project. A venv is a private box of packages for one project, so projects never clash.
- Install the requirements: Vovy activates the venv and runs pip install -r requirements.txt, which sidesteps the externally-managed-environment error you get with system-wide pip.
- Run the script: Vovy runs your script, shows the output, and adds .venv to .gitignore with a card on how to activate it next time.
What you provide
- The script or repo you want to run
- Any API keys it needs
What you get
- A current Python 3
- A per-project .venv
- Requirements installed cleanly
- Your script running
FAQ
Why does pip say externally-managed-environment?
Homebrew's Python blocks installing packages system-wide to protect itself. Using a virtual environment is the intended fix, not the --break-system-packages flag.
python or python3?
On a Mac, use python3 and pip3 unless you are inside an activated venv, where plain python works.
Do I have to activate the venv every time?
Yes, with source .venv/bin/activate in each new Terminal window. Editors like Cursor can do it automatically.
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