How to make a package executable from the command line?

Question

I want to make a python package executable from the command line.

I know you can do chmod +x myfile.py where myfile.py starts with #!/usr/bin/env to make a single file executable using ./myfile.py . I also know you can do python -m mypackage to run a package including a __main__.py .

However, if I add the shebang line to the __main__.py of a package, run chmod +x mypackage , and try ./mypackage , I get the error -bash: ./mypackage: Is a directory .

Is it possible to run a package like this?

(To be clear, I'm not looking for something like py2exe to make it a standalone executable. I'm still expecting it to be interpreted, I just want to make the launch simpler)

Answer 1

Short answer is No .

When you make chmod +x mypackage you are doing nothing because mypackage is a directory and directories already has execute flag (or you will be unable to list their files). If you type: ls -l you will see.

Your options to run directly the whole package without installing it is the way you already mention: python -m mypackage , or make a shell script which will do that for you.

I see that your intentions are to execute just ./something and your application to start working without specifying python in front and also this to not be globally installed. The easyest way will be to put a shell script that will launch your package.

Answer 2

This contains what you are looking for. Walks you through how to setup your package so that a commandline application/interface is possible.

Would suggest using argparse instead of sys.argv. The post's comments are also helpful for more updated tips.

https://gehrcke.de/2014/02/distributing-a-python-command-line-application/