wxPython in an executable Python zip archive

wxPython Users
#1

I am developing a small app (on *nix) that I wish to distribute to users (who in general will be Windows users). It seemed that an executable archive (.pyz) was the best approach.

I installed wxPython into my build directory using

python -m pip install wxPython --target build

When I create my .pyz file and attempt to run it I get the error

No module named 'wx._core'

As I was investigating this I came across this answer, which implies that you need a different core on depending on the OS. I don’t want user to have to install wxPython themselves, so should I abandon this approach?

#2

I have not tried any of the techniques described, but perhaps the following article might help:

#3

Thanks. This is useful.

pyinstaller is not cross platform, so that is ruled out.

I have used py2exe in the past, but this is such a small app that pyz seemed more appropriate.

At the moment I’m considering going for CLI and abandoning the GUI :frowning:

#4

There’s always tkinter (if you don’t mind its rather archaic appearance).

It should be built-in with most Python installations.

#5

Yes - thought of that too -maybe I should learn it

#6

It depends on how much you like your users and how much technical sophistication you want to require of them. Windows users won’t like CLI, at least in my experience.

I use PyInstaller on Windows and macOS, and their documentation implies that it works on Linux as well. I’m surprised you say it is not cross-platform, as that’s not my experience with it.

#7

You should use a Python version with an available wxPython binary.
You can check this on the PyPi page: wxPython · PyPI
So, currently you should probably use Python 3.10.

#8

Perhaps a difference in understanding. By cross platform I mean create on linux, run on Windows. See docs

PyInstaller is tested against Windows, MacOS X, and Linux. However, it is not a cross-compiler; to make a Windows app you run PyInstaller on Windows, and to make a Linux app you run it on Linux, etc.

I do not have access to Windows

#9

Loading extension modules (pyd) from a ZIP archive (egg, whl, etc.) is not supported in Windows.