Python in a Nutshell

Chapter 26. Distributing Extensions and Programs

Python’s distutils allow you to package Python programs and extensions in several ways, and to install programs and extensions to work with your Python installation. As I mentioned in Chapter 24, the distutils also afford the most effective way to build C-coded extensions you write yourself, even when you are not interested in distributing such extensions. This chapter covers the distutils, as well as third-party tools that complement the distutils and let you package Python programs for distribution as standalone applications, installable on machines with specific hardware and operating systems without a separate installation of Python.

Python’s distutils

The distutils are a rich and flexible set of tools to package Python programs and extensions for distribution to third parties. I cover typical, simple use of the distutils for the most common packaging needs. For in-depth, highly detailed discussion of distutils, I recommend two manuals that are part of Python’s online documentation: Distributing Python Modules (available at http://www.python.org/doc/current/dist/), and Installing Python Modules (available at http://www.python.org/doc/current/inst/), both by Greg Ward, the principal author of the distutils.

The Distribution and Its Root

A distribution is the set of files to package into a single file for distribution purposes. A di stribution may include zero, one, or more Python packages and other Python modules (as covered in ...