What is the best way to make an EXE file from a Python program?

Question

I've used several modules to make EXEs for Python. Which options/library is best?

It has been some time since I've done this and I'm curious if there are any new options, etc.

Answer 1

py2exe

Answer 2

py2exe is probably what you want, but it only works on Windows. PyInstaller works on Windows and Linux. Py2app works on the Mac.

Answer 3

See: An executable Python app

Answer 4

See a short list of python packaging tools on FreeHackers.org.

Answer 5

I found this presentation to be very helpfull.

How I Distribute Python applications on Windows - py2exe & InnoSetup

From the site:

There are many deployment options for Python code. I'll share what has worked well for me on Windows, packaging command line tools and services using py2exe and InnoSetup. I'll demonstrate a simple build script which creates windows binaries and an InnoSetup installer in one step. In addition, I'll go over common errors which come up when using py2exe and hints on troubleshooting them. This is a short talk, so there will be a follow-up Open Space session to share experience and help each other solve distribution problems.

Answer 6

Not on the freehackers list is gui2exe which can be used to build standalone Windows executables, Linux applications and Mac OS application bundles and plugins starting from Python scripts.