Quick Start
This guide walks you through the basic scoop workflow.
1. Set Up Shell Integration
Zsh (macOS default):
echo 'eval "$(scoop init zsh)"' >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc
Bash:
echo 'eval "$(scoop init bash)"' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc
2. Install Python
# Install latest Python
scoop install 3.12
# Verify installation
scoop list --pythons
3. Create a Virtual Environment
scoop create myproject 3.12
This creates a virtual environment at ~/.scoop/virtualenvs/myproject/.
4. Use the Environment
cd ~/projects/myproject
scoop use myproject
This:
- Creates
.scoop-versionfile in the current directory - Activates the environment (prompt shows
(myproject))
5. Work With Your Environment
(myproject) $ pip install requests
(myproject) $ python -c "import requests; print(requests.__version__)"
6. Auto-Activation
Once configured, entering a directory with .scoop-version automatically activates the environment:
cd ~/projects/myproject
# (myproject) appears in prompt automatically
Common Commands
| Task | Command |
|---|---|
| List environments | scoop list |
| List Python versions | scoop list --pythons |
| Show environment info | scoop info myproject |
| Remove environment | scoop remove myproject |
| Check installation | scoop doctor |
IDE Integration
Create a .venv symlink for IDE compatibility:
scoop use myproject --link
This creates .venv pointing to the scoop environment, recognized by VS Code, PyCharm, etc.
Next Steps
- See Shell Integration for advanced configuration
- See Commands for full command reference