Is setuptools part of Python standard library?
Is setuptools part of Python standard library?
I'd be happy to clarify this for you!
Setuptools is not part of the Python standard library. In fact, it's a third-party package that provides a flexible way to install and distribute Python packages, including those with dependencies.
The Python standard library, on the other hand, consists of modules and functions that are built into every Python installation. These include things like math, re, json, and many others. The standard library is designed to provide basic functionality for tasks such as data manipulation, file input/output, networking, and more.
Setuptools, however, was created specifically to help with the process of installing and managing packages in Python. It's a powerful tool that allows you to create and distribute packages with ease, including those with dependencies. Without setuptools (or its successor, setuptools), it would be much more difficult to install and manage third-party libraries.
Setuptools was created by Bob Iannucci and Jim Fulton back in 2000 and has since become a de facto standard for distributing Python packages. It's widely used by the Python community and is the basis for many popular package managers, such as pip (Python Package Index) and conda.
In addition to providing a way to install and manage packages, setuptools also includes features like:
Dependency management: Setuptools can automatically download and install dependencies required by a package. Package metadata: It provides a standard format for storing package information, such as version numbers and descriptions. Build and installation tools: Setuptools includes tools to help with building and installing packages, including options for testing and validation.In summary, while the Python standard library is essential for providing basic functionality in Python, setuptools is an important tool that's not part of the standard library. It plays a crucial role in helping you install and manage third-party libraries and packages, making it an indispensable part of many Python projects.
Is setuptools included with Python?
Setuptools is a package that allows you to install, upgrade, and uninstall Python packages easily. It's a crucial component of the Python packaging ecosystem.
The short answer: Yes, setuptools is included with Python. Since version 2.0.1 (released in 2005), Python has shipped with setuptools as part of its standard library. This means that when you install Python from the official source or a reputable package manager like pip, you get setuptools out-of-the-box.
Now, let's dive deeper into what this means for you:
Why is setuptools important?
Setuptools provides an efficient way to manage and distribute Python packages. With it, you can create and publish your own packages (known as wheels) for easy sharing and installation by other developers. This simplifies the process of collaborating on projects, sharing code, and installing dependencies.
How does setuptools work?
When you install a package using pip or another installer, setuptools is responsible for managing the package's life cycle:
Install: Setuptools helps to download and extract the package contents. Upgrade: When an updated version of the package becomes available, setuptools updates your installation. Uninstall: If you no longer need a package, setuptools facilitates its removal.Why is it included with Python?
Incorporating setuptools into Python's standard library makes sense for several reasons:
Consistency: By including setuptools, the Python community can rely on the same toolset across different projects and installations. Ease of use: No longer do you need to manually install and configure a separate package manager like pip. Simplified maintenance: Setuptools is maintained by the Python Package Authority (PyPA), ensuring that updates and bug fixes are rolled out smoothly.In conclusion
Setuptools is an essential part of the Python ecosystem, making it easy to manage, share, and install packages. As it comes bundled with Python, you can start exploring the world of Python packaging without additional setup or configuration.
