python-dev – Dockerized Python Development Environment

Introduction

This repository is a lightweight template for a reproducible Python development environment using Docker and VS Code Dev Containers. It is pre-configured to optionally leverage an NVIDIA GPU when available, so you can work on data science, ML, or general Python projects without polluting your host system.

New Feature: This environment now includes a browser-accessible desktop GUI, allowing you to run graphical Python applications (like matplotlib, tkinter, PyQt, etc.) directly in your browser without needing X11 forwarding or VNC clients.

Prerequisite

Before using this repository, you need to have the following installed on your system:

• Docker Desktop
• VSCode with Dev Container extension installed
• Alternative: Remote Repositories extension of VSCode

Key Features

• Browser-Based GUI: Access a full Linux desktop environment directly in your browser for running GUI applications
• No Port Collisions: Dynamic port mapping allows multiple instances without conflicts
• NVIDIA GPU Support: Pre-configured for GPU acceleration when available
• Python Version Management: Easy switching between Python versions using mise
• Isolated Environment: All dependencies are containerized, keeping your host system clean

How to use

To use this repository, follow the steps below:

1. Create new repository by clicking the Use this template button above.
2. Open your duplicated repository in VSCode using the command ">Dev Containers: Clone Repositories in Named Container Volume". You can name your container for easy referencing.

mise and py-init

This devcontainer uses "mise" (a small environment/tool manager) and a convenience shell helper named py-init to quickly create a mise-managed Python environment and a project virtualenv.

Quick usage

• Open a new shell and cd into your project directory.
• Run:
  • py-init 3.11
  • or any supported version (e.g. py-init 3.10, py-init 3.13)

What py-init does

• Creates/updates a local mise.toml in the current directory.
• Uses mise to select the requested Python version.
• Configures the local virtualenv path to .venv and enables automatic creation.

Browser GUI Desktop

This development environment includes a browser-accessible desktop GUI for running graphical Python applications.

Accessing the Desktop

When you open the container in VS Code:

1. Automatic Access: VS Code will automatically forward port 6080 and open the desktop in your browser
2. Manual Access:
   • Look at the PORTS tab in VS Code's bottom panel
   • Find port 6080 labeled "Desktop GUI"
   • Click the globe icon (🌐) to open it in your browser

Using GUI Applications

The browser desktop allows you to run any graphical Python application:

Example: Matplotlib

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import numpy as np

x = np.linspace(0, 10, 100)
y = np.sin(x)

plt.figure(figsize=(10, 6))
plt.plot(x, y)
plt.title('Sine Wave')
plt.xlabel('X')
plt.ylabel('Y')
plt.grid(True)
plt.show()

Example: Tkinter

import tkinter as tk

root = tk.Tk()
root.title("Hello Python GUI")
root.geometry("300x200")

label = tk.Label(root, text="Hello from Python!", font=("Arial", 16))
label.pack(pady=50)

button = tk.Button(root, text="Click Me", command=lambda: label.config(text="Button Clicked!"))
button.pack()

root.mainloop()

Run these scripts in the VS Code terminal, and the GUI windows will appear in your browser desktop tab.

Desktop Features

• Full Linux desktop environment (XFCE)
• Window management (minimize, maximize, close)
• File manager
• Terminal applications
• Clipboard support (with some limitations)

Tips for GUI Development

1. Keep Browser Tab Open: Keep the browser desktop tab open while developing GUI applications
2. Multiple Windows: You can open multiple application windows simultaneously
3. Full Screen Mode: Use F11 in most browsers for full-screen mode
4. Zoom Controls: Use browser zoom (Ctrl/Cmd + Plus/Minus) to adjust display size