setuptools

What setuptools is

setuptools is a free Python packaging library for preparing projects to be shared and installed. It can act as a project’s build backend, discover packages and namespaces, and let maintainers control which packages are distributed. It supports build-system requirements, required and optional dependencies, version restrictions, environment markers, and dependency groups. Configured entry points can create scripts when a package is installed, including console commands and plugin entry points. Editable installs allow source changes to take effect without rebuilding and reinstalling, and setuptools can build C and C++ extension modules. The project’s documentation describes using it with pip, build, and PyPI when building and distributing Python packages. The project identifies modern PyPA-standard APIs and its documented customization APIs as its most stable supported interfaces. Its current PyPI listing requires Python 3.10 or later. setuptools supports Linux, macOS, and Windows. The listed Setuptools plan costs nothing; there is no free trial. Professional support is available through a Tidelift Subscription.

Who it suits

setuptools suits Python maintainers who need a packaging build backend, package discovery, dependency declarations, or installation-time scripts. It also fits projects that build C or C++ extensions or need editable installs across Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Getting started

1. Visit the setuptools website.
2. Use the library on Linux, macOS, or Windows.
3. Check the documented stable APIs and customization interfaces.
4. Use the documentation for workflows involving pip, build, and PyPI.

Verdict

Choose setuptools if you need a free Python packaging library with package discovery, dependency configuration, entry points, and support for C or C++ extensions. Look elsewhere if your required features include lockfile support, environment management, or package publishing.