[Python-Dev] Why no venv in existing directory?

[Carl Meyer]

Hi Stefan,

On 07/19/2012 06:28 AM, Stefan H. Holek wrote:
> While trying 3.3 beta I found that I cannot use my favorite
> virtualenv pattern with pyvenv:
> 
> $ virtualenv . Installing.....done.
> 
> $ pyvenv . Error: Directory exists: /Users/stefan/sandbox/foo
> 
> I appreciate that this behavior is documented and was in the PEP from
> the start: "If the target directory already exists an error will be
> raised, unless the --clear or --upgrade option was provided."
> 
> Still, I am curious what the rationale behind this restriction is.

I'd have no problem with lifting the restriction.

I don't recall any clear rationale; I think it was probably just the
simplest implementation initially, and no one ever raised it as an issue
in the PEP process.

Carl