Python Assistant

Python

Use this skill to keep Python workflows reproducible and low-risk across local/dev shells.

Safety Defaults

• Prefer project-local virtual environments (.venv) over global installs.
• Prefer python3 -m pip ... to avoid interpreter and pip mismatch.
• Inspect dependency files before install (requirements*.txt, pyproject.toml).
• Avoid executing unknown setup hooks or random install scripts without user approval.

Standard Workflow

1. Detect current environment:

python3 --version
python3 -c "import sys; print(sys.executable)"
{baseDir}/scripts/python_env_tool.py doctor

1. Create or refresh a venv:

{baseDir}/scripts/python_env_tool.py bootstrap --venv .venv --requirements requirements.txt

1. Install project package (if pyproject.toml exists):

{baseDir}/scripts/python_env_tool.py install --venv .venv --editable

1. Run tests/tools from the venv interpreter:

.venv/bin/python -m pytest -q
.venv/bin/python -m pip list --outdated

Task Recipes

# Install specific packages into venv
{baseDir}/scripts/python_env_tool.py install --venv .venv --package requests --package pydantic

# Install from requirements file
{baseDir}/scripts/python_env_tool.py install --venv .venv --requirements requirements-dev.txt

# Recreate corrupted venv from scratch
{baseDir}/scripts/python_env_tool.py bootstrap --venv .venv --recreate --requirements requirements.txt

Troubleshooting Rules

• ModuleNotFoundError: verify command is run via .venv/bin/python, then reinstall deps.
• externally-managed-environment: stop global install attempts; use venv.
• Build failures on native deps: upgrade pip setuptools wheel, then retry.
• Multiple Python versions: always print and confirm sys.executable before fixes.

Bundled Helper

Use the helper for repeatable environment setup and diagnosis:

{baseDir}/scripts/python_env_tool.py --help
{baseDir}/scripts/python_env_tool.py doctor