Use Python Virtual Environments with PySpark

To ensure that the two Python versions match, in case your components run on different machines, you must use the Python virtual environments with PySpark.

Create a Virtual Environment with Conda

Note:

You can also use virtualenv to create your virtual environment instead of conda.

To create a virtual environment with Conda, follow these steps:

Ensure that you have conda and conda-Pack installed.

Note:
To check if conda is installed, then execute the following command: "conda --version"
Create your virtual environment using the following command:
```
conda create -y -n <environment-name> python=<python-version>
<additional-packages>
```
Note:
The <environment-name> can be chosen freely and subsequently has to be substituted in further commands.
Activate your virtual environment using the following command:
```
conda activate <environment-name>
```
Execute the following to obtain the path to your virtual environment:
```
which python
```
The obtained result is referred to as <environment-abs-path>.

Compress your virtual environment using the following command:

conda pack -n <environment-name> -o <environment-abs-path>/<environmentname>.
tar.gz

Update Interpreter Properties

The interpreter properties can either be configured in the interpreter JSON files or from the Interpreters page of the OFS MMG application UI after starting the OFS MMG application.

In the Spark Interpreter Settings page of the OFS MMG application UI (or spark.json), change the following:
- Change the value of the spark.yarn.dist.archives property to <environment-abspath>/< environment-name>.tar.gz#<environment-name>
- Change the value of the spark.pyspark.python property to ./<environmentname>/ bin/python
In the PySpark Interpreter Settings page of the OFS MMG application UI (or pyspark.json), change the value of the zeppelin.pyspark.python parameter to <environment-abs-path>/bin/python.