Python Build Script

Question

What are some best practices for creating a build script for a Python project? Specifically, not for building a Python library, but a Python application (e.g. standalone server app or web app). What are some frameworks out there that support:

• Managing dependencies for different environments (dev, test, prod, etc.)
• Running tasks: start, stop, test, pydoc, pep8, etc.
• Preparing for deployment with a virtualenv: creating a package (tar.gz, rpm, egg, etc.)

I usually use setuputils/easy_install for doing this -- which has it's limitations. However, I read an article saying one should use distutils/pip. Which if these is more robust? Are there any other choices?

Thank you

Answer 1

If you're looking for a good building framework, Scons which is python based is a good make substitute.