**Setup.py Develop vs. Install: Which Command Should You Use for Python Package Development?**

Python Package Installation: Understanding the Difference Between setup.py develop and install

In Python package development, the usage of setup.py commands can be confusing. Two commonly used options, develop and install, serve different purposes and can cause bewilderment.

Understanding setup.py install

Setup.py install is primarily intended for installing packages that you don't plan to modify or debug yourself. It installs packages into your Python environment's site-packages folder. Once installed, you can import and use these packages in your Python programs. This method is commonly used when installing third-party packages.

Understanding setup.py develop

On the other hand, setup.py develop serves a different purpose. It creates a symbolic link between the package's directory and a special location in your Python environment. This enables you to develop and modify your own Python packages.

When using setup.py develop, you can make changes to your package's code, and these changes will be reflected immediately without the need to reinstall the package. This is particularly useful during development and debugging. It allows you to iteratively make code changes and test them without having to wait for a full reinstall.

Recommended Usage

For a fresh installation of a package, it's advisable to use setup.py install to ensure a clean and complete installation. After the initial installation, you can switch to setup.py develop to facilitate convenient code editing and testing.

Cautionary Note

While setup.py commands offer flexibility, it's important to note that using them directly may cause compatibility issues with certain package dependencies. For enhanced reliability, it's recommended to use package managers like pip, which provide a more robust and consistent way of installing and managing Python packages.

The above is the detailed content of **Setup.py Develop vs. Install: Which Command Should You Use for Python Package Development?**. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!