How to package a Python app and the Python interpreter in a single EXE

This article describes solutions to create a single executable file containing a Python application/script and the Python interpreter DLL with all necessary libraries. The executable file can then be launched on any system even if Python is not installed.

Existing solutions:

• py2exe: http://www.py2exe.org/
• cx_Freeze: http://cx-freeze.sourceforge.net/
• PyInstaller: http://pyinstaller.python-hosting.com/ (formerly knwon as McMillan Installer)
• IronPython pyc:
  • http://www.dbaportal.eu/?q=node/142
  • http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1578010/ironpython-2-6-py-exe
  • http://blogs.msdn.com/b/srivatsn/archive/2008/08/06/static-compilation-of-ironpython-scripts.aspx

Useful additional tools:

• PyBuilder, a GUI to simplify the use of py2exe on Windows: http://pybuilder.sourceforge.net/
• InnoSetup, to build a complete installer for Windows: http://www.jrsoftware.org/isinfo.php
• NSIS, another installer builder: http://nsis.sourceforge.net

Tutorials:

• http://bytes.com/topic/python/insights/580045-simple-guide-using-py2exe
• http://bytes.com/topic/python/insights/615261-py2exe-setup-file-wxpython-runs-any-ide-excludes-tkinter
• http://bytes.com/topic/python/insights/579554-simple-guide-using-pyinstaller

Alternatives:

• py2cc, a Python to C compiler: http://alexey.sudachen.name/opensource.shtml
• Shed Skin, a Python to C++ compiler: http://shed-skin.blogspot.com/

 

This page was created on the 04/03/2009, last edit 08/12/2011.

To be continued...