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docs/guides/mdtestguide.md

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+---
+title: Virtual Environments
+---
+
+We encourage the use of virtual environments when working on shared projects. Virtual
+environments allow you to create an isolated environment for your project, which can
+help prevent conflicts between different projects that may require different versions of
+the same package.
+
+## Python Virtual Environments
+
+We recommend using `rye` to manage Python virtual environments as it provides an
+overarching framework for managing Python installations and virtual environments. See
+information on `rye` in the [Rye documentation](https://rye.astral.sh/guide/).
+
+Another option for managing virtual environments is to use `pixi`. See information on
+`pixi` in the [Pixi documentation](https://pixi.sh/latest/).
+
+## R Virtual Environments
+
+R virtual environments can be created using the `renv` package. See
+[documentation](https://rstudio.github.io/renv/articles/renv.html) for more information
+about how to use `renv`.
+
+## Docker
+
+[Docker](https://docs.docker.com/get-started/overview/) is a tool that allows you to
+create, deploy, and run applications using containers. In some instances, it may be more
+appropriate to use Docker containers to manage your project environment, especially when
+there is a project environment that needs to be deployed to cloud computing services.
+
+## Learning Resources
+
+- [A Complete Guide to Python Virtual Environments](https://www.dataquest.io/blog/a-complete-guide-to-python-virtual-environments/)
+- [Real Python, Python Virtual Environments](https://realpython.com/python-virtual-environments-a-primer/)
+- [Python Virtual Environments](https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/venv.html)
+- [R Virtual Environments](https://rstudio.github.io/renv/articles/renv.html)