auto-uv-env

Alternatives and Positioning

This comparison is based on public project documentation and READMEs, verified on February 16, 2026.

Fast Decision

  • Pick auto-uv-env if you want UV-first Python venv automation from pyproject.toml with minimal setup.
  • Pick direnv if you want general-purpose per-directory env scripting (not only Python).
  • Pick mise if you want one platform for runtimes, env management, and tasks.
  • Pick pyenv-virtualenv if your team standard is already pyenv + .python-version.
  • Pick shell-specific plugins only if your team is standardized on one shell.

Choose by Outcome

If you are choosing a tool for your team, start here:

  1. Do you want UV-first Python virtualenv activation from pyproject.toml, with minimal setup? Yes -> pick auto-uv-env.

  2. Do you need a general environment scripting system (not Python-specific)? Yes -> evaluate direnv first.

  3. Do you want one platform for runtimes + env vars + tasks + optional UV integration? Yes -> evaluate mise.

  4. Are you all-in on pyenv and .python-version files? Yes -> evaluate pyenv-virtualenv.

  5. Are you okay with shell-specific plugins instead of cross-shell behavior? Yes -> evaluate zsh-autoswitch-virtualenv (Zsh), zsh-autoenv (Zsh), or VirtualFish (Fish).

Decision Snapshot

When auto-uv-env is likely the best fit

  • You want automatic activation/deactivation with no .envrc scripting model.
  • Your projects are organized around pyproject.toml.
  • You want direct uv-native behavior and project-local .venv defaults.
  • You need Bash + Zsh + Fish parity.

When another tool may be a better fit

  • Pick direnv if your core need is broad directory-scoped environment scripting.
  • Pick mise if you want one tool to cover language runtimes, env management, and tasks.
  • Pick pyenv-virtualenv if your team standard is pyenv-centric .python-version workflows.
  • Pick shell-specific plugins if your whole team is standardized on one shell and wants plugin behavior.

Quick Guidance (By Tool)

  • Use auto-uv-env when you want UV-first, project-root virtual environment activation with minimal setup across Bash, Zsh, and Fish.
  • Use direnv when you want broad, scriptable, directory-scoped environment management beyond Python.
  • Use mise when you want one tool for runtime versions, env management, tasks, and optional UV venv integration.
  • Use pyenv-virtualenv when your workflow is centered on pyenv and .python-version.
  • Use Zsh/Fish-specific plugins (zsh-autoswitch-virtualenv, zsh-autoenv, VirtualFish) when shell-specific workflows are acceptable.

Capability Matrix

This is intentionally detailed. For a quick answer, use the sections above.

Tool Primary model Directory auto-activation UV behavior (documented) Shell scope (documented) Trust/security model (documented)
auto-uv-env Auto-manages project .venv from pyproject.toml Yes Native uv usage for Python install + venv creation Bash, Zsh, Fish Path validation + shell-adapter directive protocol
direnv Loads env from .envrc / .env Yes Not UV-specific by default; Python support via stdlib layouts Bash, Zsh, Tcsh, Fish Explicit authorization flow (direnv allow)
mise Unified runtime/env/tasks manager Yes (via shell activation + config) python.uv_venv_auto supports source or create\|source modes Bash, Zsh, Fish, PowerShell Config trust system (trusted_config_paths, trust controls)
pyenv-virtualenv pyenv virtualenv management Yes (with pyenv virtualenv-init) No UV-specific integration in its core docs Bash, Zsh, Fish Uses pyenv .python-version + pyenv-managed env selection
zsh-autoswitch-virtualenv Zsh auto-switch plugin around .venv Yes Docs state UV/Poetry/Pipenv auto detection Zsh Refuses activation for unsafe .venv ownership/permissions
autoenv Executes .env / .env.leave on cd Yes Not UV-specific in core model Bash, Zsh, Dash (Fish via separate plugin) Authorization files for env scripts; optional assume-yes mode
zsh-autoenv Zsh auto-sourcing .autoenv.zsh Yes No UV-first model documented; can be scripted Zsh Interactive whitelist/auth with hashed-content tracking
VirtualFish Fish virtualenv manager with plugins Yes (plugin-based) No UV-specific model in core docs Fish Plugin/system-level controls; .venv mapping via auto-activation plugin
uv-shell-hook Adds uv activate / uv deactivate commands No (command-driven) UV command extension, supports env discovery Bash, Zsh, Fish, PowerShell, Windows CMD No additional trust model documented beyond shell integration
uve Conda-like named env manager using UV No (command-driven) Uses UV for env creation and package workflows Cross-platform with shell integration No separate trust/authorization model documented

Scope Notes

  • This page compares documented behavior, not benchmark results.
  • This page intentionally avoids star-count ranking in the matrix because those values change frequently.
  • If any upstream project changes behavior, update this page with a new verification date.

Sources