python-packaging
Create distributable Python packages with proper project structure, setup.py/pyproject.toml, and publishing to PyPI. Use when packaging Python libraries, creating CLI tools, or distributing Python code.
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/wshobson/agents --skill python-packaging- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads python-packaging automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
Security audits
Independent scans of the skill's instructions and bundled files.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
Python Packaging
Comprehensive guide to creating, structuring, and distributing Python packages using modern packaging tools, pyproject.toml, and publishing to PyPI.
When to Use This Skill
- Creating Python libraries for distribution
- Building command-line tools with entry points
- Publishing packages to PyPI or private repositories
- Setting up Python project structure
- Creating installable packages with dependencies
- Building wheels and source distributions
- Versioning and releasing Python packages
- Creating namespace packages
- Implementing package metadata and classifiers
Core Concepts
1. Package Structure
- Source layout:
src/package_name/(recommended) - Flat layout:
package_name/(simpler but less flexible) - Package metadata: pyproject.toml, setup.py, or setup.cfg
- Distribution formats: wheel (.whl) and source distribution (.tar.gz)
2. Modern Packaging Standards
- PEP 517/518: Build system requirements
- PEP 621: Metadata in pyproject.toml
- PEP 660: Editable installs
- pyproject.toml: Single source of configuration
3. Build Backends
- setuptools: Traditional, widely used
- hatchling: Modern, opinionated
- flit: Lightweight, for pure Python
- poetry: Dependency management + packaging
4. Distribution
- PyPI: Python Package Index (public)
- TestPyPI: Testing before production
- Private repositories: JFrog, AWS CodeArtifact, etc.
Quick Start
Minimal Package Structure
my-package/
├── pyproject.toml
├── README.md
├── LICENSE
├── src/
│ └── my_package/
│ ├── __init__.py
│ └── module.py
└── tests/
└── test_module.py
Minimal pyproject.toml
[build-system]
requires = ["setuptools>=61.0"]
build-backend = "setuptools.build_meta"
[project]
name = "my-package"
version = "0.1.0"
description = "A short description"
authors = [{name = "Your Name", email = "you@example.com"}]
readme = "README.md"
requires-python = ">=3.8"
dependencies = [
"requests>=2.28.0",
]
[project.optional-dependencies]
dev = [
"pytest>=7.0",
"black>=22.0",
]
Package Structure Patterns
Pattern 1: Source Layout (Recommended)
my-package/
├── pyproject.toml
├── README.md
├── LICENSE
├── .gitignore
├── src/
│ └── my_package/
│ ├── __init__.py
│ ├── core.py
│ ├── utils.py
│ └── py.typed # For type hints
├── tests/
│ ├── __init__.py
│ ├── test_core.py
│ └── test_utils.py
└── docs/
└── index.md
Advantages:
- Prevents accidentally importing from source
- Cleaner test imports
- Better isolation
pyproject.toml for source layout:
[tool.setuptools.packages.find]
where = ["src"]
Pattern 2: Flat Layout
my-package/
├── pyproject.toml
├── README.md
├── my_package/
│ ├── __init__.py
│ └── module.py
└── tests/
└── test_module.py
Simpler but:
- Can import package without installing
- Less professional for libraries
Pattern 3: Multi-Package Project
project/
├── pyproject.toml
├── packages/
│ ├── package-a/
│ │ └── src/
│ │ └── package_a/
│ └── package-b/
│ └── src/
│ └── package_b/
└── tests/
Detailed patterns and worked examples
Detailed pattern documentation lives in references/details.md. Read that file when the navigation tier above is insufficient.
FAQ
What does the python-packaging skill do?
Create distributable Python packages with proper project structure, setup.py/pyproject.toml, and publishing to PyPI. Use when packaging Python libraries, creating CLI tools, or distributing Python code.
How do I install python-packaging?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/wshobson/agents --skill python-packaging in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/python-packaging/ (personal) or .claude/skills/python-packaging/ (project).
Which AI agents can use python-packaging?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is python-packaging safe to install?
Security partners have reviewed it: Gen Agent Trust Hub passed; Socket passed; Snyk passed; Runlayer passed; ZeroLeaks passed. As with any skill, read the SKILL.md and bundled scripts before installing.
Who maintains python-packaging?
It is published by wshobson in wshobson/agents. It has 13,025 recorded installs.
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