How To Compile Python

In this tutorial, we will learn how to compile Python code. Python is an interpreted language, which means it is executed line by line at runtime without needing to be compiled into machine code.

However, sometimes it is desirable to have a compiled version. A compiled version of Python code can improve performance and allows the code to run on a machine without Python installed.

The process of compiling Python code involves converting it into bytecode which can be executed by the Python Virtual Machine(PVM).

We will be using PyInstaller to compile Python code into a standalone executable. With PyInstaller, you can create a single executable file from your script program without any need for installing Python on the target system.

Step 1: Installing PyInstaller

Before we start, ensure that you have Python installed on your system. You can download the latest version of Python from the official website here.

To install PyInstaller, open your command prompt or terminal and then type the following command:

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pip install pyinstaller

This command will download and install PyInstaller on your system.

Step 2: Creating a sample Python script

For this tutorial, we will create a simple Python script that displays a message “Hello, World!” when executed.

Here’s the code for the script, which we will save in a file named hello_world.py:

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print("Hello, World!")

Step 3: Compiling the Python script using PyInstaller

Now, let’s compile the hello_world.py script using PyInstaller. Open the command prompt or terminal, and navigate to the directory where your hello_world.py script is located.

To compile the Python script, run the following command:

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pyinstaller --onefile hello_world.py

This will compile hello_world.py into a single standalone executable. The --onefile flag is used to create a single executable file.

After the compilation process is complete, a new folder named dist will be created in the same directory. Inside the dist folder, you will find the compiled executable file named hello_world (for Linux and macOS) or hello_world.exe (for Windows).

Step 4: Running the compiled executable

To run the compiled executable, navigate to the dist folder in your command prompt or terminal and then run the hello_world or hello_world.exe file:

For Linux and macOS:

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./hello_world

For Windows:

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hello_world.exe
 
Hello, World!

You should see the output “Hello, World!” displayed on your screen.

Full Code

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print("Hello, World!")

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we learned how to compile a Python script into a standalone executable using PyInstaller. This allows you to distribute your Python applications easily, without requiring the user to have Python installed on their system. Now you can compile and distribute your Python code with added ease and efficiency.