[Python] What is the best practice for managing Python environments inside WSL?

I am using VS Code with WSL and use Miniconda on Windows, what is the best practice for managing Python environments inside WSL?

(answers generated by ChatGPT)

Using a separate Miniconda installation inside WSL gives you the most consistent and manageable Python environment experience (isolated from system Python).

🔧 Steps:

1. Install Miniconda in WSL:

   bash
   
   wget https://repo.anaconda.com/miniconda/Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh
   bash Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh
   

   Follow the prompts to install, and allow it to add conda to your .bashrc or .zshrc.

1. Restart your WSL terminal or run:

   bash
   
   source ~/.bashrc
   

2. Answer yes to make conda available easily. Then immediately run:

   bash
   conda config --set auto_activate_base false
   

   This keeps conda available in your shell. Prevents auto-activation of the base environment (you'll be in your system Python unless you explicitly activate a conda env).

3. Create a new environment:

   bash
   
   conda create -n myenv python=3.11
   conda activate myenv

4. You can install a conda package also without activating the environment. Just use conda install -n <env_name> <package> or conda install -p <path/to/env> <package>.

5. Use it in VS Code:

   • Open your project folder in VS Code using code. from inside WSL.

   • When the conda environment is active, VS Code should detect it. If not:

     • Press Ctrl+Shift+P → Python: Select Interpreter → Choose the myenv from conda.