Most developers use CX_Freeze to convert their Python scripts into standalone executables. The tool offers them a lot more flexibility and freedom as it can run on most operating systems, including Linux, Windows, FreeBSD, and so on. Also, CX_Freeze supports scripts from Python 2.7 and up, including the latest Python 3.
Thus, with CX_Freeze you can bypass the need for sharing your Python scripts and codes and instead provide an executable file which is much easier to distribute. Hence, you also do not have to disclose the source code of your program, which is one of the objectives of CX_Freeze. The following guide lets our readers learn how to install the tool on most Linux distributions.
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What is CX_Freeze?
As stated, CX_Freeze is a Python program that allows users to convert Python scripts into standalone executables. It works on either Windows, macOS, or Linux. But the question arises. Why even use CX_Freeze? Well, it is necessary if you want your program to be compiled for easier sharing, as the tool lets you compile the codes you have written as a script.
Thus, with CX_Freeze, you can combine Python scripts and their dependencies all into a single file, which can then run on most operating systems. It works similarly to tools like Py2exe and Py2app. However, unlike those tools, CX_Freeze offers cross-platform support.
CX_Freeze Use Cases:
Typically, CX_Freeze produces a folder that contains the executable file for the Python program and its shared libraries, like the DLL files, which are needed to run it. Generally, you can create a simple enough installer using a setup script with the bdist_msi option, which works on Windows or a disc image for macOS.
You can use the CX_Freeze tool for the following purposes:
- First, you can use it to examine the included or existing CX_Freeze scripts.
- Then, you can also use it to create a new setup script. This certainly is helpful if you ever need an extra option while freezing a program, as you can save them in script form.
- Lastly, you can use the tool to work directly with classes and modules that are used by CX_Freeze internally.
How To Install CX_Freeze On Linux?
This brings us to the important segment of this article, precisely, how to install CX_Freeze on Linux. Well, there are certain methods one can go with, including downloading the file directly from the official website. The methods are listed below, please take a look:
Method 1. Use PIP To Install CX_Freeze On Linux
One of the easiest (and recommended) methods is to simply use PIP to install CX_Freeze on most Linux distributions. Here’s how you can do so:
On Debian-based Systems
Step 1. Update your package list:
sudo apt updateStep 2. Install Python and then pip
sudo apt install python3 python3-pipStep 3. Install CX_Freeze via PIP
pip install cx_FreezeStep 4. Verify the installation
python3 -m cx_Freeze --versionFor Fedora/CentOS/RHEL
The process is mostly the same for most distributions, with only the repositories differing:
Step 1. Update the package:
sudo dnf updateStep 2. Install Python and pip
sudo dnf install python3 python3-pipStep 3. Now, Install CX_Freeze via PIP
pip install cx_FreezeStep 4. Lastly, verify the installation
python3 -m cx_Freeze --versionSystems Running Arch Linux
Step 1. Once again, update the package repository:
sudo pacman -SyuStep 2. Then, install Python and pip
sudo pacman -S python python-pipStep 3. Install CX_Freeze via PIP
pip install cx_FreezeStep 4. Finally, verify the installation
python3 -m cx_Freeze --versionMethod 2. Install CX_Freeze On Linux Using Pipenv
Use the above methods to update the repositories as needed for each Linux distro and then install CX_Freeze using Pipenv:
pipenv install cx_FreezeMethod 3. Install CX_Freeze On Linux Using Conda-forge
Conda, an open-source command line tool, can manage packages and virtual environments that run on different operating systems, including Linux. Thus, you can use Conda to install, run, and update packages and relevant dependencies quickly. Thus, you can rely on Conda to install CX_Freeze on most Linus distributions with ease.
Step 1. First, download a Conda Installer From the official website.
Step 2. Then verify the installer hashes:
sha256sum filenameStep 3. Then run the following command in the terminal:
bash <conda-installer-name>-latest-Linux-x86_64.shNote: Replace “conda-installer-name” with either “Miniconda3”, “Anaconda”, or “Miniforge3” based on what version you installed.
Step 4. Then, follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 5. Now, create a Condo environment:
conda create --name myenv python=3.x
conda activate myenvStep 6. Then, install CX_Freeze:
conda install -c conda-forge cx_FreezeStep 7. Lastly, verify the installation:
python -m cx_Freeze --versionMethod 4. Build CX_Freeze From Source
Step 1. Install the necessary build tools and dependencies for Python:
On Debian/Ubuntu-based systems:
sudo apt install build-essential python3-devFor CentOS/RHEL/Fedora:
sudo dnf install gcc python3-develFor Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S base-develStep 2. Now, clone the cx_Freeze repository:
git clone https://github.com/marcelotduarte/cx_Freeze.git
cd cx_FreezeStep 3. Use MAKE to install CX_Freeze
make installHowever, if you do not have MAKE installed on your system, then:
pip installMethod 5. Using A Virtual Environment To Install CX_Freeze On Linux
Step 1. Start by creating a virtual environment:
python3 -m venv myenvStep 2. Then, activate the virtual environment:
source myenv/bin/activateStep 3. Now, install cx_Freeze inside the virtual environment:
pip install cx_FreezeStep 4. Verify the installation:
python3 -m cx_Freeze --versionStep 5. Finally, deactivate the virtual environment:
deactivate