py2exe vs PyInstaller

py2exe — py2exe is a Python module that allows you to easily create standalone Windows executable programs from Python scripts. It bundles all necessary parts so you can distribute the resulting executables to

PyInstaller — PyInstaller is an open-source tool that converts Python programs into stand-alone executables for distribution to end users. It bundles all dependencies into a single package so the end user does not

py2exe offers Bundles Python scripts into standalone Windows executables, Includes Python interpreter and all necessary modules, Supports console and Windows GUI applications, Allows distribution of Python programs without requiring Python installation, Works with most popular Python packages like PyQt, NumPy, etc, while PyInstaller provides Bundles Python applications into stand-alone executables, Works with Python 2.7 and 3.5+, Supports multiple platforms including Windows, Mac OS X and Linux, Supports GUI applications using frameworks like PyQt, Tkinter, wxPython, Kivy etc., Supports including dynamic libraries and assets like images/data files.

py2exe stands out for Easy way to distribute Python programs to end users, No need for recipients to install Python or modules, Good for delivering commercial applications; PyInstaller is known for Easy way to distribute Python applications to end users, No need for end users to install Python or dependencies, Stand-alone executables are OS-agnostic.

Feature	py2exe	PyInstaller
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Development	Development

Product Overview

py2exe

Description: py2exe is a Python module that allows you to easily create standalone Windows executable programs from Python scripts. It bundles all necessary parts so you can distribute the resulting executables to end users who do not have Python installed.

PyInstaller

Description: PyInstaller is an open-source tool that converts Python programs into stand-alone executables for distribution to end users. It bundles all dependencies into a single package so the end user does not need to have Python installed.

Key Features Comparison

py2exe Features

• Bundles Python scripts into standalone Windows executables
• Includes Python interpreter and all necessary modules
• Supports console and Windows GUI applications
• Allows distribution of Python programs without requiring Python installation
• Works with most popular Python packages like PyQt, NumPy, etc
• Customizable through configuration files and command line options

PyInstaller Features

• Bundles Python applications into stand-alone executables
• Works with Python 2.7 and 3.5+
• Supports multiple platforms including Windows, Mac OS X and Linux
• Supports GUI applications using frameworks like PyQt, Tkinter, wxPython, Kivy etc.
• Supports including dynamic libraries and assets like images/data files
• Creates a single package so end user does not need Python installed
• Open source and free to use

Pros & Cons Analysis

py2exe

Pros

• Easy way to distribute Python programs to end users
• No need for recipients to install Python or modules
• Good for delivering commercial applications
• Makes Python GUI apps feel more like native Windows apps
• Allows Python apps to run on computers without Python

Cons

• Limited support for some Python packages
• Can produce large executable files
• Not designed for web applications
• Requires some understanding of Python packaging
• Debugging exe files harder than source code
• May need tweaking to handle complex programs

PyInstaller

Pros

• Easy way to distribute Python applications to end users
• No need for end users to install Python or dependencies
• Stand-alone executables are OS-agnostic
• Bundles everything application needs into one package
• Active development and community support

Cons

• Limited support for some Python packages with C extensions
• Debugging executables harder than debugging Python source
• Complex applications may need some customization
• Packaging can be slow for large applications
• Encrypted binaries can complicate AV software detection

Pricing Comparison

py2exe

• Free
• Open Source

PyInstaller

• Open Source
• Free