Master Python Package Management: distutils, setuptools, pip & More

Python Package Management Tools

Python offers many mature packages that can be installed to extend programs, typically sourced from the Python Package Index (PyPI). Managing these packages involves tools such as distutils, setuptools, distribute, easy_install, and pip.

distutils

distutils is part of the Python standard library and provides a simple way to package and install modules via setup.py. Example setup.py:

from distutils.core import setup
setup(
    name='fooBar',
    version='1.0',
    author='Will',
    author_email='[email protected]',
    url='http://www.cnblogs.com/wilber2013/',
    py_modules=['foo', 'bar'],
)

Running python setup.py sdist creates a zip package that can be installed with python setup.py install.

setuptools and distribute

setuptools enhances distutils by adding dependency management and supports the .egg format. distribute was a fork of setuptools that has since merged back, so they are effectively the same.

easy_install

After installing setuptools/distribute, easy_install can be used to install packages directly from PyPI, install local archives, or install .egg files. Example commands:

Install from PyPI: easy_install package Install a local archive: easy_install package.tgz Install an .egg file: easy_install package.egg Use easy_install --help for more options.

pip

pip is now the most popular Python package manager and is considered the replacement for easy_install, though it still relies on setuptools for many functions. pip addresses easy_install’s shortcomings by providing atomic operations, uninstall support, and better dependency handling.

Common pip commands:

Install a package: pip install SomePackage Uninstall a package: pip uninstall SomePackage List installed packages: pip list Show outdated packages: pip list --outdated Upgrade a package: pip install --upgrade SomePackage Show package files: pip show --files SomePackage Install a specific version: pip install SomePackage==1.0.4 Export requirements: pip freeze > requirements.txt Install from requirements file:

pip install -r requirements.txt

Summary

The article clarifies the relationships among Python's package management tools—distutils, setuptools, distribute, easy_install, and pip—helping readers understand how to choose and use them effectively. It does not cover how to create and publish a Python package.