Python Version Manager for Windows (PyVM)

A lightweight Python version manager that allows you to install, manage, and switch between different Python versions on Windows.

Features

• Install multiple Python versions side by side
• Switch between installed Python versions easily
• Manage Python versions through simple commands
• Automatically handles PATH environment variables
• Clean uninstallation of Python versions

Prerequisites

• Windows operating system
• Administrator privileges (required for PATH manipulation)
• Internet connection (for downloading Python versions)
• Git installed on your system
• Python installed on your PC

Installation

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/YOUR_USERNAME/pyvm.git
   cd pyvm

2. Run your first command to verify installation:

   python pyvm.py

3. (Optional) Add to PATH:

   • Add the pyvm directory to your system's PATH
   • Or create a shortcut in a directory that's already in your PATH

Usage

Important: Always run commands with administrator privileges

Right-click on PowerShell or Command Prompt and select "Run as administrator" before executing any PyVM commands.

Basic Commands

1. View available commands:

   python pyvm.py

2. List installed Python versions:

   python pyvm.py list

3. Install a specific Python version:

   python pyvm.py install 3.9.0

4. Switch to an installed Python version:

   python pyvm.py use 3.9.0

5. Uninstall a Python version:

   python pyvm.py uninstall 3.9.0

Step-by-Step Example

1. First time setup:

   # Open PowerShell as Administrator
   git clone https://github.com/YOUR_USERNAME/pyvm.git
   cd pyvm
   python pyvm.py list  # Will show no versions installed

2. Install your first Python version:

   python pyvm.py install 3.9.0
   # Wait for installation to complete

3. Switch to the installed version:

   python pyvm.py use 3.9.0

4. Verify the active Python version:

   python --version

Directory Structure

PyVM creates the following directory structure in your user home folder:

~/.pyvm/
├── versions/
│   ├── 3.9.0/
│   ├── 3.8.0/
│   └── ...
└── config.json

Repository Structure:
pyvm/
├── pyvm.py
├── README.md
├── LICENSE
└── .gitignore

Troubleshooting

1. "Access Denied" errors:

   • Make sure you're running PowerShell or Command Prompt as Administrator

2. Python version not found after switching:

   • Close and reopen your terminal
   • Verify PATH environment variable is updated
   • Check if the version is properly installed using pyvm list

3. Download failures:

   • Check your internet connection
   • Verify the Python version exists on python.org
   • Try running the command again

4. PATH issues:

   • Check if multiple Python installations exist in PATH
   • Verify the registry changes were successful
   • Log out and log back in to refresh environment variables

Limitations

• Only supports 64-bit Python versions
• Requires administrator privileges
• Windows-only support
• Internet connection required for installation
• Does not support beta/alpha versions

Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create your feature branch (git checkout -b feature/AmazingFeature)
3. Commit your changes (git commit -m 'Add some AmazingFeature')
4. Push to the branch (git push origin feature/AmazingFeature)
5. Open a Pull Request

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.