Side by side
ActiveState Platform vs build
Both stand on python package managers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxMac+2
ActiveState Platform organizes custom runtime projects and provides build, deployment, and inventory capabilities. Organizations should note that project features vary by subscription tier and published catalog prices are separate from legacy subscription pricing.
Visit ActiveState Platform Free plan APILinuxMac+1
build focuses on creating Python distribution packages and supports backends beyond setuptools. It is not a dependency or environment manager.
Visit buildThe facts
| ActiveState Platform | build | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows | API, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Not published |
| Plans published | 2 | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | docs.activestate.com | build.pypa.io |
| On python package managers | #1 of 27 | #5 of 27 |
ActiveState Platform: what it does well
- Projects can be personal, organization-shared, or public.
- State Tool supports Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- Immutable SBOMs are available in SPDX formats.
- Builds use checksum verification and isolated containers.
What to know first
- The free plan permits public projects only.
- Paid subscription pricing is available by contacting sales.
- Docker deployment with the State Tool is limited to Linux containers.
build: what it does well
- Free and open source.
- Uses standardized PEP 517 hooks.
- Isolates builds in a temporary environment by default.
- Offers a Python API for automation.
- Lists installation options including uv, pipx, pip, and conda-forge.
What to know first
- Does not manage dependencies.
- Does not manage virtual environments.
- Does not publish packages.
Alternatives to ActiveState Platform Alternatives to build The whole list