Python to EXE Conversion: Easy and Quick Tutorial

Converting your Python code into an executable file (EXE) can be a useful way to distribute your application to users who may not have Python installed on their machines. In this tutorial, we will cover the process of converting a Kivy application from a .py file to an EXE using the py2exe library.

What is Kivy?

Kivy is an open-source Python library for developing multitouch applications. It is cross-platform and supports various operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Linux. With Kivy, you can create user interfaces and applications using different input methods, such as touchscreens, mice, and keyboards.

Installing py2exe

The first step in converting your Kivy application to an EXE is to install the py2exe library. You can do this using pip, the Python package manager. Simply open your command prompt or terminal and run the following command:

pip install py2exe

Creating the setup.py file

Next, you will need to create a setup.py file that will be used to configure the conversion process. This file will contain information about your application, such as its name, version, and the main script that should be converted to an EXE.

Here is an example of a basic setup.py file for a Kivy application:


from distutils.core import setup

import py2exe
opts = {
"py2exe": { "includes": ["sip"] }
}
setup(windows=['main.py'], options=opts)


Converting the .py file to an EXE

Once you have created the setup.py file, you can run it using the following command in your command prompt or terminal:

python setup.py py2exe

This will start the conversion process, which may take a few moments depending on the size of your application. Once it is complete, you will find a new folder named ‘dist’ in your project directory. Inside this folder, you will find your Kivy application converted to an EXE file, ready for distribution.

Conclusion

Converting a Kivy application from a .py file to an EXE can be a quick and easy process with the help of the py2exe library. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can distribute your applications to users who may not have Python installed, making your software more accessible and user-friendly.

For more information on Kivy, py2exe, and other Python development tools, be sure to check out the official documentation and community forums for helpful tips and resources.