githubauthlib

Python Environment Setup Guide

This guide covers various approaches to setting up your Python environment for working with githubauthlib.

Managing PYTHONPATH

Understanding PYTHONPATH

PYTHONPATH is an environment variable that tells Python where to look for modules. When you import a module, Python searches through the directories listed in PYTHONPATH.

Adding to PYTHONPATH

Temporary Configuration

Linux/macOS

export PYTHONPATH="${PYTHONPATH}:/path/to/githubauthlib"

Windows Command Prompt

set PYTHONPATH=%PYTHONPATH%;C:\path\to\githubauthlib

Windows PowerShell

$env:PYTHONPATH += ";C:\path\to\githubauthlib"

Permanent Configuration

Linux/macOS

1. Open your shell configuration file:

   # For bash
   nano ~/.bashrc
   # For zsh
   nano ~/.zshrc
   

2. Add the export line:

   export PYTHONPATH="${PYTHONPATH}:/path/to/githubauthlib"
   

3. Apply changes:

   source ~/.bashrc  # or ~/.zshrc
   

Windows

1. Open System Properties:
   • Press Win + Pause/Break or
   • Right-click on ‘This PC’ → Properties → Advanced system settings

2. Click “Environment Variables”

3. Under “System Variables”:
   • If PYTHONPATH exists: Add ;C:\path\to\githubauthlib
   • If not: Create new with name PYTHONPATH and value C:\path\to\githubauthlib

Virtual Environments

Instead of modifying PYTHONPATH, consider using virtual environments:

# Create virtual environment
python -m venv venv

# Activate virtual environment
# Linux/macOS
source venv/bin/activate
# Windows
venv\Scripts\activate

# Install package in development mode
pip install -e .

Project Structure

Recommended project structure for development:

githubauthlib/
│
├── .git/
├── .gitignore
├── README.md
├── AUXILIARY.md
├── LICENSE
├── setup.py
├── requirements.txt
│
├── githubauthlib/
│   ├── __init__.py
│   └── github_auth.py
│
├── tests/
│   ├── __init__.py
│   └── test_github_auth.py
│
└── docs/
    ├── conf.py
    └── index.rst

Import Strategies

Absolute Imports (Recommended)

from githubauthlib import get_github_token

Relative Imports (For Package Development)

from .github_auth import get_github_token

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

1. ModuleNotFoundError
   • Verify PYTHONPATH configuration
   • Check virtual environment activation
   • Confirm package installation
2. ImportError
   • Check Python version compatibility
   • Verify all dependencies are installed
   • Ensure correct file permissions
3. Path Issues
   • Use python -c "import sys; print(sys.path)" to check Python’s search path
   • Verify path separators (/ vs ) are correct for your OS

Getting Help

If you encounter issues:

1. Check the GitHub Issues page
2. Review error logs

3. Include relevant environment details when reporting issues:

   python --version
   pip list
   echo $PYTHONPATH
   

Best Practices

1. Use virtual environments for isolation
2. Prefer absolute imports over relative imports
3. Keep PYTHONPATH modifications temporary when possible
4. Document all environment setup requirements
5. Use consistent path separators per OS

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