How can I make a Python script standalone executable to run without ANY dependency? [duplicate]

Question

I'm building a Python application and don't want to force my clients to install Python and modules.

So, is there a way to compile a Python script to be a standalone executable?

Answer 1

You can use PyInstaller to package Python programs as standalone executables. It works on Windows, Linux, and Mac.

PyInstaller Quickstart

Install PyInstaller from PyPI:

pip install pyinstaller

Go to your program’s directory and run:

pyinstaller yourprogram.py

This will generate the bundle in a subdirectory called dist.

pyinstaller -F yourprogram.py

Adding -F (or --onefile) parameter will pack everything into single "exe".

pyinstaller -F --paths=<your_path>\Lib\site-packages  yourprogram.py

running into "ImportError" you might consider side-packages.

 pip install pynput==1.6.8

still runing in Import-Erorr - try to downgrade pyinstaller - see Getting error when using pynput with pyinstaller

For a more detailed walkthrough, see the manual.

Answer 2

You can use py2exe as already answered and use Cython to convert your key .py files in .pyc, C compiled files, like .dll in Windows and .so on Linux.

It is much harder to revert than common .pyo and .pyc files (and also gain in performance!).

Answer 3

You might wish to investigate Nuitka. It takes Python source code and converts it in to C++ API calls. Then it compiles into an executable binary (ELF on Linux). It has been around for a few years now and supports a wide range of Python versions.

You will probably also get a performance improvement if you use it. It is recommended.