A native-first, cross-platform Python version manager inspired by pyenv. Built for speed and reliability on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
pyenv-native is a native Rust reimplementation of the pyenv experience. It provides familiar workflows for version selection while removing shell and platform limitations, especially on Windows.
pyenv-native is currently in active development. While it is used daily by its creators, it should be considered "production-intended" but still subject to community validation.
- Windows: Stable (Primary platform)
- Linux/macOS: Tested
- Android/Termux: Experimental (Requires manual setup for compilation)
Android / Termux Build Prerequisites
Since Android/Termux does not ship with pre-built CPython binaries, pyenv-native automatically fetches and compiles Python from source. To prevent compilation failures, you must install the required compiler tools and system development libraries inside Termux first:
# 1. Update Termux package repositories
pkg update && pkg upgrade -y
# 2. Install required compilers, builders, and standard libraries
pkg install clang make pkg-config libffi openssl readline ncurses -yAfter installing these prerequisites, running pyenv install <version> will compile and build your chosen Python runtime flawlessly on Android.
pyenv-native is more than a CLI; it is a native foundation for Python development.
The high-performance core. Manages Python installations, shims, and shell integration.
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Native-First: No Bash dependency.
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Opinionated Power: Built-in managed
venvsupport (replacespyenv-virtualenv). -
Validated Performance: Reliable version selection on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
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Dashboard: Live view of your managed environments.
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Visual Control: Install versions and manage venvs with one click.
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Status: Stable on Windows; Experimental on Linux/macOS.
- Windows: Download .exe
- Note: You may need to Right-click -> Properties -> Unblock if Windows SmartScreen blocks execution.
- Linux: Download Binary
- macOS (Apple Silicon): Download Binary
- macOS (Intel): Download Binary
- Note: On Linux/macOS, run
chmod +x <binary>in your terminal before launching.
- Note: On Linux/macOS, run
A structured bridge for AI models like Claude or Gemini.
- Standardized: Built-in MCP server support.
- Model-Friendly: Allows AI agents to inspect, configure, and manage Python environments safely.
pyenv-native can be installed using modern package managers or standard interactive terminal scripts.
| Platform | Command | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Windows (winget) | winget install pyenv-native |
Direct, system-wide Windows installation |
| macOS / Linux (Homebrew) | brew install imyourboyroy/pyenv-native/pyenv-native |
Universal Unix taps management |
| Universal (pipx) | pipx install pyenv-native |
Isolated Python application bootstrap |
Note
When installing via pipx, you will run the self-installer command immediately after package installation:
pyenv-native install --install-root ~/.pyenvFor single-line boots directly from standard terminal shells:
irm https://github.com/imyourboyroy/pyenv-native/releases/latest/download/install.ps1 | iexcurl -LsSf https://github.com/imyourboyroy/pyenv-native/releases/latest/download/install.sh | shIf you need to remove pyenv-native and its shims, you can use the native CLI or standard web scripts:
If pyenv is already in your PATH, simply run:
pyenv self-uninstallirm https://github.com/imyourboyroy/pyenv-native/releases/latest/download/uninstall.ps1 | iexcurl -LsSf https://github.com/imyourboyroy/pyenv-native/releases/latest/download/uninstall.sh | sh -s -- --remove-rootDetailed technical guides and instructions:
- 📖 CLI Usage Guide — Core commands,
venvmanagement, and shell setup. - 🎨 GUI Dashboard Guide — Features, screenshots, and visual management.
- 🔗 MCP / Agent Guide — Integration for AI models and IDEs.
- 🏗️ Architecture — Native shims, version resolution, and design philosophy.
- 🗑️ Uninstallation Guide — Safely removing
pyenv-native.
$ pyenv versions
system
* 3.13.1 (set by C:\Users\Roy\.pyenv\version)
3.12.8
3.12.8/envs/api (managed venv)SELECTION: global, local, shell, latest, version, version-name, prefix
PROVISIONING: install, available, versions, uninstall
ENVIRONMENT: venv (managed virtual environments)
INTERFACE: init, gui, rehash, shims, prompt, exec, completions
DIAGNOSTICS: doctor, status, config, root, which, whence
MAINTENANCE: self-update, self-uninstall
If you encounter an issue, please open a GitHub Issue. To help us troubleshoot, please include:
- OS Version (e.g., Windows 11, macOS Sequoia, Ubuntu 24.04)
- Processor Architecture (e.g., x64, ARM64/Apple Silicon)
- Shell (e.g., PowerShell 7, Bash, Zsh, Fish)
- Relevant Logs (found in your
.pyenv/logs/directory) - Problematic Output (the full command and any error messages)
Tip
Run pyenv doctor to get a quick summary of your environment health if the CLI is already installed.
pyenv-native is an independent reimplementation inspired by the pyenv experience. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the official pyenv project. We thank the pyenv maintainers for shaping the standard for Python version management.