Virtualenv Command Not Found

Step-by-step solutions

Confirming paths and permissions

Check your PATH – the installation directory should be listed:

echo $PATH
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To add a path in bash:

export PATH=$PATH:/usr/local/bin
# Persistence is key!
echo 'export PATH=$PATH:/usr/local/bin' >> ~/.bash_profile
source ~/.bash_profile
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For zsh users:

export PATH=$PATH:/usr/local/bin
# Don't forget to put it on repeat
echo 'export PATH=$PATH:/usr/local/bin' >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc
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Wonder why the virtualenv permission denied? You need execution permission! Here, "-l" stands for long-format listing, not a typo. 🙃

ls -l /usr/local/bin/virtualenv
# If necessary, give it the go-power!
sudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/virtualenv
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Python version clashes and executable

Having a version clash? Try using the python or python3 prefix:

python3 -m virtualenv [env_name]
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Command line-fu tricks

Striving for the Zen of Python? Reinstall virtualenv:

# If pip fails, it's like falling off a bike. Dust yourself off and get back on.
sudo pip uninstall virtualenv
sudo pip install virtualenv
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Is your pip feeling old? Make it young again:

pip install --upgrade pip
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When pip falls off the bike and can't get up, we turn to easy_install for help! Here, /usr/bin is the bike shop of last resort!🚴‍♂️

sudo /usr/bin/easy_install virtualenv
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Making sense of PATH configurations

Got a mess of shell profiles, like .bashrc, .bash_profile, or .zshrc? Keep a tidy house for a tidy mind!

Location insights and installation best practices

Virtualenv installs at different paths depending on root vs user-level installation:

• System-wide: often at /usr/lib/pythonX.X/dist-packages
• User-level: typically in ~/.local/lib/pythonX.X/site-packages

For peace of mind, consider user-level installation:

pip install --user virtualenv
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Special shell considerations: keep the .bash_profile for bash, and .zshrc for zsh respect.

Stubborn persistent issues? Try uninstalling and reinstalling:

pip uninstall virtualenv
pip install virtualenv
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