# Python Application Packaging Tools – An overview

Python offers numerous methods to transform scripts into standalone applications. Packaging tools are designed to bundle your code, libraries, and often a Python interpreter, enabling users to run your app without the need to manually install Python or its dependencies.

Each tool employs a unique approach – some generate a single executable, while others create a directory or installer. They vary in terms of OS support, performance, output size, and use cases.

In this blog series, I plan to explore each tool, discussing their advantages and disadvantages, usage, and internal workings.

> **DISCLAIMER:** I am not an expert on these tools or Python. I have been a developer for the past 7 years, primarily working with Python. This article reflects my personal opinions and insights gained from some testing with these tools.

### Tools i plan to explore

* PyInstaller ([https://pyinstaller.org/en/stable/](https://pyinstaller.org/en/stable/))
    
* cx\_freeze ([https://cx-freeze.readthedocs.io/en/stable/](https://cx-freeze.readthedocs.io/en/stable/))
    
* shiv ([https://shiv.readthedocs.io/en/latest/](https://shiv.readthedocs.io/en/latest/))
    
* PeX ([https://docs.pex-tool.org/](https://docs.pex-tool.org/))
    
* briefcase ([https://beeware.org/briefcase/](https://beeware.org/briefcase/))
    
* zipapp ([https://docs.python.org/3/library/zipapp.html](https://docs.python.org/3/library/zipapp.html))
    
* PyOxidizer ([https://github.com/indygreg/PyOxidizer](https://github.com/indygreg/PyOxidizer))
    
* Nuitka ([https://nuitka.net/](https://nuitka.net/))
    
* PyApp ([https://github.com/ofek/pyapp](https://github.com/ofek/pyapp))
    
* py2exe ([https://www.py2exe.org/](https://www.py2exe.org/))
    
* py2app ([https://py2app.readthedocs.io/en/latest/](https://py2app.readthedocs.io/en/latest/))
    
* Packaged ([https://packaged.live/](https://packaged.live/))
    
* PyCrucible ([https://github.com/razorblade23/PyCrucible](https://github.com/razorblade23/PyCrucible))