Simplifying Python Application Deployment with PEX

Simplifying Python Application Deployment with PEX

Are you tired of dealing with the complexities of Python application deployment? Have you ever wished for a simple way to package your Python application and its dependencies into a single executable file? Look no further! In this article, we will explore PEX (Python EXecutable), a powerful library that revolutionizes Python application deployment by creating portable executable Python environments.

Overview

PEX is a library that allows you to generate .pex files, which are executable Python environments similar to virtual environments. Taking inspiration from PEP 441, PEX files make the deployment of Python applications as simple as copying files. The best part? PEX files can include multiple platform-specific Python distributions, enabling you to create portable executables that work seamlessly across Linux and OS X.

Installation

Getting started with PEX is a breeze. Simply install it using pip:

$ pip install pex

Alternatively, you can build PEX from source by cloning the repository and using tox:

$ tox -e package
$ cp dist/pex ~/bin

This approach keeps your Python environment empty and aligns with PEX’s philosophy.

Simple Examples

Let’s dive into some simple examples to demonstrate the power of PEX:

1. Launch an interpreter with specific dependencies:

$ pex requests flask 'psutil>2,<3'

1. Save your current virtualenv as a .pex file and execute it anywhere:

$ pex $(pip freeze) -o my_virtualenv.pex
$ deactivate
$ ./my_virtualenv.pex

1. Run a Python script in an environment containing a specific dependency:

$ pex flask -- webserver.py

1. Launch Sphinx in an ephemeral PEX environment:

$ pex sphinx -e sphinx:main -- --help

Integrating PEX into Your Workflow

To seamlessly integrate PEX into your workflow, consider adding a packaging test environment to your tox.ini file:

[testenv:package]
deps = pex
commands = pex . -o dist/app.pex

With this setup, running tox -e package will generate a relocatable copy of your application that you can deploy to staging or production environments.

Documentation and Development

Want to learn more about PEX and its capabilities? Check out the official PEX documentation at pex.readthedocs.io. If you’re interested in contributing to the project, follow the instructions provided in the contributor overview.

In terms of development, PEX uses tox for test and development automation. To run the test suite, simply invoke tox:

$ tox

If you don’t have tox installed, you can generate a PEX of tox and use it:

$ pex tox -c tox -o ~/bin/tox

To run specific environments or tests, use the appropriate flags with tox.

Conclusion

PEX is a game-changer when it comes to Python application deployment. By simplifying the process and creating portable executable Python environments, it saves developers time and effort. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced Python developer, PEX is a tool you can’t afford to ignore. Give it a try and experience the power of hassle-free Python application deployment!

Note: This article was written based on the information available on the PEX Github repository. For the most up-to-date information, visit the official PEX documentation.