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Course

Developing Python Packages

IntermediateSkill Level

4.7+

Updated 02/2026

Learn to create your own Python packages to make your code easier to use and share with others.

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PythonProgramming4 hr14 videos47 Exercises3,900 XP22,757Statement of Accomplishment

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Course Description

Do you find yourself copying and pasting the same code between files, wishing it was easier to reuse and share your awesome snippets? Wrapping your code into Python packages can help! In this course, you’ll learn about package structure and the extra files needed to turn loose code into convenient packages. You'll also learn about import structure, documentation, and how to maintain code style using flake8. You’ll then speed up your package development by building templates, using cookiecutter to create package skeletons. Finally, you'll learn how to use setuptools and twine to build and publish your packages to PyPI—the world stage for Python packages.

Prerequisites

Introduction to Shell Writing Functions in Python

1

From Loose Code to Local Package

Get your package started by converting scripts you have already written. You'll create a simple package which you can use on your own computer.

Starting a package

Modules, packages and subpackages

From script to package

Putting your package to work

Documentation

Writing function documentation with pyment

Writing function documentation with pyment II

Package and module documentation

Structuring imports

Sibling imports

Importing from parents

Exposing functions to users

2

Install Your Package from Anywhere

Make your package installable for yourself and others. In this chapter, you'll learn to deal with dependencies, write READMEs, and include licenses. You'll also complete all the steps to publish your package on PyPI—the main home of Python packages.

Installing your own package

Adding the setup script

Installing your package locally

Utilizing editable installs

Dealing with dependencies

User dependencies

Development dependencies

Including licences and writing READMEs

Writing a README

MANIFEST - Including extra files with your package

Publishing your package

Building a distribution

Uploading distributions

3

Increasing Your Package Quality

Bring your package up to a professional standard. Discover how to use pytest to guard against errors, tox to test if your package functions with multiple versions of Python, and flake8 to maintain great code style.

Testing your package

Creating the test directory

Writing some basic tests

Running your tests

Testing your package with different environments

Setting up tox

Running tox

Keeping your package stylish

Appropriate style filtering

Using flake8 to tidy up a file

Ignoring specific errors

Configuring flake8

4

Rapid Package Development

Create your packages more quickly. In this final chapter, you’ll learn how to use cookiecutter to generate all the supporting files your package needs, Makefiles to simplify releasing new versions, and be introduced to the last few files your package needs to attract users and contributors.

Faster package development with templates

Using package templates

Version numbers and history

CONTRIBUTING.md

History file

Tracking version number with bumpversion

Makefiles and classifiers

PyPI classifiers

Using makefiles

Developing Python Packages

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FAQs

What will I be able to do after completing this course?

You will be able to structure, document, test, and publish your own Python packages to PyPI using setuptools, twine, pytest, tox, and flake8.

What tools are used for package quality and testing?

You will use pytest to write tests, tox to verify compatibility across Python versions, and flake8 to enforce consistent code style.

Does the course cover publishing packages to PyPI?

Yes. You will complete all the steps to publish a package on PyPI, including writing a README, adding a license, handling dependencies, and using setuptools and twine.

What is cookiecutter and how is it used in this course?

Cookiecutter is a tool for generating project templates. You will use it to quickly scaffold package skeletons with all the supporting files your package needs.

What Python knowledge is required before taking this course?

You need intermediate Python skills including functions, the Python toolbox, and basic shell commands. Six prerequisite courses are listed, covering these foundations.

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