Cx_Freeze
cx_Freeze is a Python utility to compile Python code into standalone executable files for distribution. It works by analyzing the Python scripts, finding all imports, and putting them along with the Python interpreter into a folder structure that can be compressed into a single e
python
compilation
executable
distribution
cx_Freeze: Compile Python Code into Standalone Executables
A Python utility to compile Python code into standalone executable files for distribution, analyzing scripts, imports, and compressing into a single file.
What is Cx_Freeze?
cx_Freeze is a utility for freezing Python scripts into executables that can be distributed to end users who do not have Python installed. It analyzes Python code to determine all the modules and packages imported, then bundles them along with the Python interpreter into a folder structure. This folder can then be compressed into a single executable file using tools like zip or installer builders.
The key benefits of cx_Freeze include:
- Packaging Python applications into distributable executables
- End users do not need to install Python or any dependencies
- Can build executables for Windows, Linux, Mac OS X
- Supports Python 2.7 and 3.5+
- Integrates with distutils for building
- Customizable using setup scripts
- Auto-detects modules and packages required for the application
Some common uses cases of cx_Freeze are:
- Distributing commercial Python software to customers
- Shipping Python scripts and applications to clients
- Making command line utilities based on Python scripts
- Freezing application code along with all dependencies
Overall, cx_Freeze greatly simplifies packaging Python code for distribution as executables that are easy for end users to run, without needing to install interpreters or dependencies.
Cx_Freeze Features
Features
- Converts Python programs into stand-alone executables
- Includes Python interpreter and all necessary modules
- Supports console and windowed executables
- Customizable using config files
- Works with Python 2.7 and 3.x
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Easy way to distribute Python programs without needing Python installed
No need to worry about dependencies and imports
Can obfuscate source code
Good for building GUI applications
Wide platform support including Windows, Mac and Linux
Cons
Larger executable file size compared to pure Python
Startup can be slower than running Python directly
Difficult to apply updates or patches
Limited configuration options compared to tools like PyInstaller
May not work with some complex Python packages
Official Links
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