Nuitka: Compile Python Programs to Executables
Summary
Nuitka compiles Python programs into C-based executables or extension modules while aiming to preserve CPython behavior. It is useful for distributing Python applications and building compiled modules, but requires a compatible C or C++ compiler.
At a glance
- Language
- Python
- License
- AGPL-3.0
- Stars
- 15.2k
- Forks
- 795
- Added to OSRepos
- October 14, 2025
- Last analyzed
- October 3, 2026
Topics
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Overview
Nuitka is a Python compiler that translates Python modules into C-level programs and uses CPython’s runtime to execute them. It aims to preserve Python compatibility while compiling applications or individual modules, rather than replacing Python’s behavior with a separate language or runtime.
It is suited to developers who need to package Python software for distribution, produce extension modules, or compile a program as part of a build pipeline. Its standalone and onefile modes can help distribute applications without requiring a separate Python installation on the target machine.
Key Features
- Compile Python programs and packages into executable binaries.
- Build standalone distributions or a single-file executable with onefile mode.
- Compile Python modules as CPython extension modules.
- Include imported modules, with options for handling dynamic imports and package data.
- Integrate compilation with setuptools-based wheel builds.
- Support multiple program entry points in a shared multidist binary.
- Provide a GitHub Actions integration through Nuitka-Action.
Use Cases
- Python application developers can create standalone distributions for users who should not need a separate Python installation.
- Library authors can compile a module into an extension module for use with a compatible CPython version.
- Release engineers can add compilation to package builds or CI workflows when producing platform-specific artifacts.
- Teams shipping GUI applications can create platform-oriented app bundles and executables, after validating the standalone build.
Project Facts
- Language: Python
- License: AGPL-3.0
- Stars: 15.2k
- Forks: 795
- Topics: compiler, nuitka, packaging-tool, performance, programming, python, python-compiler
- Archived: false
Getting Started
Install from PyPI and compile a script:
python -m pip install Nuitka
python -m nuitka hello.py
See the README and user manual for compiler setup, distribution modes, and platform-specific options.
Alternatives
- Numba: Numba JIT-compiles supported numerical Python functions to machine code, rather than compiling whole Python programs into distributable executables or extensions.
Considerations
- Compilation requires a supported C compiler, or a supported C++ compiler, and a matching Python and compiler architecture. Compiler availability and setup vary by platform.
- Compiled programs still rely on CPython and can require careful handling of imports, data files, and native libraries. Test standalone builds on their target environments.
- Onefile mode extracts its contents when launched, which can affect how the program locates files. Validate standalone mode first when diagnosing packaging issues.
- The project is licensed under AGPL-3.0, with a runtime exception referenced by the project. Review the license terms for your distribution and use case.
- Compilation can consume significant time and memory, especially when many dependencies are included.
Source repository
Open the original repository on GitHub.
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