Distributing Python Modules (Legacy version)

Authors:Greg Ward, Anthony Baxter
Email:distutils-sig@python.org

This document describes the Python Distribution Utilities (“Distutils”) from the module developer’s point of view, describing how to use the Distutils to make Python modules and extensions easily available to a wider audience with very little overhead for build/release/install mechanics.

Note

This guide only covers the basic tools for building and distributing extensions that are provided as part of this version of Python. Third party tools offer easier to use and more secure alternatives. Refer to the quick recommendations section in the Python Packaging User Guide for more information.