Concept of Virtual Environments

Hope this question belongs here.

As a linux noob, I am sure my question sounds confusing and heavily non-technical, but please help me understand this.

• Anaconda Python Distribution comes with the concept of creating environments where I can maintain a variety of python versions and specific packages based on my need. Without disturbing other versions and their modules!
• rbenv does the same thing with ruby.
• I guess nvm does it with nodejs.
• In fact, the simplest examples are python’s virtualenv and virtualenvwrapper

I need some help or a resource to read and understand how all these things work exactly. Is learning the whole concept of virtualization the only way?

I am sure this has something (everything?) to do with the OS, esp. Linux. To make these things clearer in my head, the best is to try things at the OS level. Is there a resource where I can find such help/tutorial/etc.?

Answer

You might find these links useful.

realpython.com dabapps.com