.. _distutils-index:

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  Distributing Python Modules (Legacy version)
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:Authors: Greg Ward, Anthony Baxter
:Email: distutils-sig@python.org

This document describes the Python Distribution Utilities ("Distutils") from
the module developer's point of view, describing how to use the Distutils to
make Python modules and extensions easily available to a wider audience with
very little overhead for build/release/install mechanics.

.. note::

   This guide only covers the basic tools for building and distributing
   extensions that are provided as part of this version of Python. Third party
   tools offer easier to use and more secure alternatives. Refer to the `quick
   recommendations section <https://packaging.python.org/en/latest/current/>`__
   in the Python Packaging User Guide for more information.


.. toctree::
   :maxdepth: 2
   :numbered:

   introduction.rst
   setupscript.rst
   configfile.rst
   sourcedist.rst
   builtdist.rst
   packageindex.rst
   examples.rst
   extending.rst
   commandref.rst
   apiref.rst