# Setuptools

> package development process library

**Wikidata**: [Q10370776](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q10370776)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/setuptools

## Summary
Setuptools is a Python package development library and package manager that simplifies the process of building, distributing, and installing Python packages. It provides essential tools for Python developers to create and share reusable code packages across different platforms.

## Key Facts
- Setuptools is free software distributed under the Python Software Foundation License
- The library is written in Python and is cross-platform compatible
- Latest stable versions include 51.1.2 (released December 29, 2020) and 51.1.0 (released December 21, 2020)
- Maintained by the Python Packaging Authority
- Has parts including EasyInstall and Python Egg
- Developer: Jason Coombs
- Official website: https://setuptools.readthedocs.io/
- Source code repository: https://github.com/pypa/setuptools

## FAQs
### Q: What is Setuptools used for?
A: Setuptools is used for building and distributing Python packages, managing dependencies, and simplifying the installation process of Python software across different platforms.

### Q: Is Setuptools free to use?
A: Yes, Setuptools is free software distributed under the Python Software Foundation License, allowing users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it.

### Q: What programming language is Setuptools written in?
A: Setuptools is written in Python, making it a native tool for Python package development and distribution.

## Why It Matters
Setuptools plays a crucial role in the Python ecosystem by providing the foundational infrastructure for package development and distribution. It solves the complex problem of creating reusable, distributable Python code that works consistently across different operating systems and Python environments. Without Setuptools, Python developers would face significant challenges in sharing their code with others, managing dependencies, and ensuring their packages install correctly on various systems. The library has become an essential tool in modern Python development, enabling the vast ecosystem of third-party packages that make Python such a powerful and versatile programming language. Its cross-platform compatibility and integration with the Python Package Index (PyPI) have made it indispensable for both individual developers and large organizations building Python applications.

## Notable For
- Being the standard tool for Python package development and distribution
- Enabling the creation and sharing of Python Eggs and other package formats
- Providing cross-platform compatibility for Python packages
- Being maintained by the Python Packaging Authority, ensuring ongoing development and support
- Integrating seamlessly with pip and other Python package management tools

## Body
### Development and History
Setuptools emerged as a critical tool in the Python ecosystem to address the challenges of package distribution and installation. It evolved from earlier packaging tools to provide a more robust and flexible solution for Python developers. The library has undergone continuous development, with regular releases adding new features and improvements.

### Technical Features
Setuptools provides comprehensive functionality for package development, including dependency management, package discovery, and build automation. It supports various package formats and can handle complex installation scenarios. The library integrates with Python's distutils module and extends its capabilities significantly.

### Integration and Ecosystem
As a core component of the Python packaging ecosystem, Setuptools works seamlessly with pip, wheel, and other packaging tools. It's included by default in many Python distributions and is often a prerequisite for installing other Python packages. The library's widespread adoption has made it a de facto standard for Python package development.

### Platform Support
Setuptools is designed to be cross-platform, supporting Windows, macOS, and various Linux distributions. This cross-platform compatibility ensures that packages built with Setuptools can be distributed and installed consistently across different operating systems.

### Community and Maintenance
The Python Packaging Authority maintains Setuptools, ensuring it stays current with Python's evolution and packaging best practices. The project benefits from community contributions and follows established Python development processes, including version control, issue tracking, and release management through GitHub.

## Schema Markup
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  "url": "https://setuptools.readthedocs.io/",
  "sameAs": [
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## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/graphs/contributors)
2. [The setuptools Open Source Project on Open Hub: Languages Page. Open Hub](https://www.openhub.net/p/setuptools/analyses/latest/languages_summary)
3. [Release 38.2.5. 2017](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/38.2.5)
4. [Release 50.1.0. 2020](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v50.1.0)
5. [Release 50.2.0. 2020](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v50.2.0)
6. [Release 50.3.0. 2020](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v50.3.0)
7. [Release 50.3.1. 2020](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v50.3.1)
8. [Release 50.3.2. 2020](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v50.3.2)
9. [Release 51.0.0. 2020](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v51.0.0)
10. [Release v51.1.1](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v51.1.1)
11. [Release v51.1.2](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v51.1.2)
12. [Release 51.1.0. 2020](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v51.1.0)
13. [Release 51.2.0. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v51.2.0)
14. [Release 51.3.0. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v51.3.0)
15. [Release 51.3.1. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v51.3.1)
16. [Release 51.3.2. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v51.3.2)
17. [Release 51.3.3. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v51.3.3)
18. [Release 52.0.0. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v52.0.0)
19. [Release 53.0.0. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v53.0.0)
20. [Release v54.1.1](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v54.1.1)
21. [Release 53.1.0. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v53.1.0)
22. [Release 54.0.0. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v54.0.0)
23. [Release 54.1.0. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v54.1.0)
24. [Release 54.1.2. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v54.1.2)
25. [Release v54.2.0](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v54.2.0)
26. [Release 54.1.3. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v54.1.3)
27. [Release 56.0.0. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v56.0.0)
28. [Release v56.2.0](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v56.2.0)
29. [Release 56.1.0. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v56.1.0)
30. [Release v57.1.0](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v57.1.0)
31. [Release v57.2.0](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v57.2.0)
32. [Release v57.4.0](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v57.4.0)
33. [Release v60.3.1](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v60.3.1)
34. [Release 57.0.0. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v57.0.0)
35. [Release 57.3.0. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v57.3.0)
36. [Release 57.5.0. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v57.5.0)
37. [Release 58.0.0. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v58.0.0)
38. [Release 58.0.1. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v58.0.1)
39. [Release 58.0.2. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v58.0.2)
40. [Release 58.0.3. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v58.0.3)
41. [Release 58.0.4. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v58.0.4)
42. [Release 58.1.0. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v58.1.0)
43. [Release 58.2.0. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v58.2.0)
44. [Release 58.3.0. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v58.3.0)
45. [Release 58.4.0. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v58.4.0)
46. [Release 58.5.0. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v58.5.0)
47. [Release 58.5.1. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v58.5.1)
48. [Release 58.5.2. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v58.5.2)
49. [Release 58.5.3. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v58.5.3)
50. [Release 59.0.1. 2021](https://github.com/pypa/setuptools/releases/tag/v59.0.1)