Using py2exe in a virtualenv

Question

I have a Python script I developed within a virtualenv on Windows (Python 2.7).

I would now like to compile it into a single EXE using Py2exe.

I've read and read the docs and stackoverflow, and yet I can't find a simple answer: How do I do this? I tried just installing py2exe (via the downloadable installer), but of course that doesn't work because it uses the system-level python, which doesn't have the dependencies for my script installed. It needs to use the virtualenv - but there doesn't seem to be such an option.

I did manage to get bbfreeze to work, but it outputs a dist folder crammed with files, and I just want a simple EXE file (one file) for my simple script, and I understand Py2Exe can do this.

tl;dr: How do I run Py2Exe within the context of a virtualenv so it correctly imports dependencies?

Answer 1

You can do that this way:

1. Activate your virtualenv and then ...
2. easy_install py2exe-0.6.9.win32-py2.7.exe

Answer 2

Installing py2exe into your virtual env should be straightforward. You'll need Visual Studio 2008, the express version should work. Launch a 2008 Command Prompt and Activate your virtual env. Change into the directory that contains the py2exe source and run python setup.py install . You can verify that py2exe is in the correct environment by attempting to import it from an interactive shell. I tested myself earlier today (had to install virtualenv). It works exactly as expected.