# Installing Python Modules

Greg Ward

Email: gward@python.net

### Abstract:

This document describes the Python Distribution Utilities (``Distutils'') from the end-user's point-of-view, describing how to extend the capabilities of a standard Python installation by building and installing third-party Python modules and extensions.

- 1 Introduction
  - 1.1 Best case: trivial installation
  - 1.2 The new standard: Distutils
  - 1.3 The old way: no standards
- 2 Standard Build and Install
  - 2.1 Platform variations
  - 2.2 Splitting the job up
  - 2.3 How building works
  - 2.4 How installation works
- 3 Building Extensions: Tips and Tricks
  - 3.1 Using non-Microsoft compilers on Windows
    - 3.1.1 Borland C++
    - 3.1.2 GNU C / Cygwin / MinGW32
- 4 Alternate Installation
  - 4.1 Alternate installation: Unix (the home scheme)
  - 4.2 Alternate installation: Unix (the prefix scheme)
  - 4.3 Alternate installation: Windows
  - 4.4 Alternate installation: Mac OS
- 5 Custom Installation
- 6 Distutils Configuration Files
  - 6.1 Location and names of config files
  - 6.2 Syntax of config files
- About this document ...