What does the `platforms` argument to `setup()` in `setup.py` do?

What does the `platforms` argument to `setup()` in `setup.py` do?

In a setup.py script for a Python package, the platforms argument provided to the setup() function specifies a list of operating systems or platforms on which the package is intended to work. This information helps users and package managers understand the compatibility of the package with different platforms and environments.

The platforms argument is used to indicate the target platforms using a list of strings. Each string typically represents a specific platform or operating system identifier. The values you provide in the platforms argument help users and package managers understand the intended compatibility of your package.

Here's an example of how the platforms argument can be used in a setup.py script:

from setuptools import setup setup( name='my_package', version='1.0', description='A sample package', platforms=['Linux', 'Windows', 'Mac OS-X'], # ... )

In this example, the platforms argument specifies that the package is expected to work on Linux, Windows, and Mac OS-X.

Keep in mind that while the platforms argument provides information about compatibility, it's ultimately up to users and package managers to determine whether your package works correctly on a specific platform. It's also important to ensure that your package is properly tested and compatible with the platforms you claim to support.

Examples

  1. Understanding platforms Argument in setup()

    • The platforms argument in setup.py specifies the platforms or operating systems for which a Python package is intended or compatible.
    from setuptools import setup setup( name="my_package", version="1.0", platforms=["Windows", "Linux"] # Specifies intended platforms )

  2. Using platforms to Indicate Platform Compatibility

    • The platforms argument helps indicate the platforms where the package is expected to work.
    from setuptools import setup setup( name="cross_platform_package", version="2.0", platforms=["Windows", "Linux", "MacOS"] # Indicates broad compatibility )

  3. Applying platforms for Platform-Specific Packages

    • The platforms argument can be used to indicate that a package is intended for specific platforms, such as embedded systems or custom environments.
    from setuptools import setup setup( name="embedded_tool", version="1.0", platforms=["Linux-ARM"] # Indicates platform-specific package )

  4. Combining platforms with Platform-Dependent Code

    • The platforms argument is useful for packages containing platform-dependent code, informing users of compatibility.
    from setuptools import setup setup( name="os_specific_tool", version="1.0", platforms=["Linux", "Windows"], # Indicates supported platforms description="A tool with platform-specific code" )

  5. Checking Platform Compatibility with platforms

    • The platforms argument helps users and developers understand the compatibility of a package with different operating systems.
    from setuptools import setup setup( name="mac_utility", version="1.0", platforms=["MacOS"] # Specifies the intended platform )

  6. Documenting Platform Support with platforms

    • The platforms argument serves as documentation, indicating the operating systems or platforms for which a package is supported.
    from setuptools import setup setup( name="data_tool", version="1.0", platforms=["Linux", "Windows"], # Documents platform support description="A cross-platform data processing tool" )

  7. Using platforms for Platform-Specific Features

    • The platforms argument is useful for packages that include platform-specific features or dependencies.
    from setuptools import setup setup( name="windows_tool", version="1.0", platforms=["Windows"], # Indicates Windows-specific features description="A utility designed for Windows systems" )

  8. Applying platforms in Multi-Platform Projects

    • The platforms argument can be used in multi-platform projects to specify intended compatibility across operating systems.
    from setuptools import setup setup( name="multi_platform_project", version="1.0", platforms=["Windows", "Linux", "MacOS"], # Intended for multiple platforms description="A multi-platform project" )

  9. Using platforms to Guide Dependency Management

    • The platforms argument provides a hint for managing platform-specific dependencies in a package.
    from setuptools import setup setup( name="package_with_dependencies", version="1.0", platforms=["Linux"], # Specifies platform for dependency management install_requires=[ "platform-specific-library" # Example platform-specific dependency ] )

  10. Combining platforms with Custom Platform Checks

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