python-packaging

To package a Python project for PyPI distribution, generate a clean project layout with a modern pyproject.toml file, build wheel and source distributions, and publish using recommended build backends with proper metadata and classifiers.

Setting up pyproject.toml for a Python CLI tool involves defining metadata, build backends, and entry points in a clean project layout, automating the packaging process for easy distribution across source or flat layouts.

Yes, Python packaging works with both src and flat layouts. The process automates generating a distributable project layout that supports libraries, CLI tools, or applications across either structure with proper metadata.

Yes, you can use setuptools with setup.py or setup.cfg instead of pyproject.toml. While it enforces a modern pyproject.toml by default, the packaging guidance also supports these traditional configuration formats.

To build wheel and source distributions for a Python library, use modern packaging tools to generate distributables from your project layout, then publish them to PyPI or private registries with proper classifiers.

You need pyproject.toml for Python packaging because it enforces a modern, standardized configuration format that eliminates guesswork in project structure, metadata, and build backend selection for libraries, CLIs, or applications.