What is setuptools?
Setuptools facilitates packaging Python projects and helps developers share reusable code (libraries) and programs (CLI/GUI tools) that can be installed with pip and uploaded to PyPI.
setuptools pricing
Plans, per-tier features and add-ons, dated and linked to live pricing. Pricing changes often; always verify at source before you rely on it.
Free, open-source. Professional support available via Tidelift Subscription.
Community (Open Source)
FreeCore setuptools library
Tidelift Subscription
Contact salesProfessional support for setuptools
Platform & deployment
Independently observed- CLI
setuptools FAQ
Common questions about setuptools, answered from independent, dated evidence.
What problem does setuptools solve?
Setuptools simplifies the process of creating and distributing Python packages. It handles the packaging work that would otherwise require manual effort, allowing developers to prepare their code for installation via pip and publication to PyPI.
Source: https://setuptools.pypa.io/
What is the cost of setuptools?
Setuptools is completely free to use as open source software with no licensing fees. Organizations requiring dedicated professional support can optionally subscribe to Tidelift for enterprise-grade assistance.
Source: https://setuptools.pypa.io/
Does setuptools support native code extensions?
Yes, setuptools includes built-in support for building and packaging C and C++ extension modules, making it suitable for Python projects that incorporate compiled native libraries.
Source: https://setuptools.pypa.io/
How is setuptools accessed and used?
Setuptools is a command-line tool that integrates with Python's package management ecosystem. Developers invoke setuptools commands to prepare and configure their projects for distribution.
Source: https://setuptools.pypa.io/
Can setuptools help publish to PyPI?
Yes, setuptools facilitates the complete packaging workflow including preparation and uploading of packages to PyPI, making projects accessible for installation by other developers.
Source: https://setuptools.pypa.io/
What types of Python projects can be packaged?
Setuptools supports packaging libraries designed for reuse by other developers as well as standalone applications and command-line tools. It handles the distribution infrastructure for a wide range of Python project types.
Source: https://setuptools.pypa.io/
Is professional support available?
Setuptools is maintained as an open source project with community support. Tidelift offers professional support subscriptions for organizations that require dedicated enterprise-level assistance.
Source: https://setuptools.pypa.io/
setuptools alternatives
Other package management we track, ranked by the same independent score.
The Vioscale score: one lens on the evidence
Not user reviews and not a paid placement: a confidence-weighted blend of the independent signals below (adoption, activity, security posture, and more), which you can sort and re-weight yourself. Vendors can correct their listing but can never move their rank, and stars are weighted low as a vanity metric. It is one way to read the evidence for setuptools, not the verdict.
| Signal | Score | Weight | Contribution | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release Cadence | 97 | 0.08 | 7.6 | ✓ |
| Github Activity | 49 | 0.13 | 6.3 | ✓ |
| Pricing Transparency | 80 | 0.05 | 3.8 | ✓ |
| Price Level | 100 | 0.03 | 3.2 | ✓ |
| Github Stars | 65 | 0.03 | 2.1 | ✓ |
| Reliability | 0 | 0.06 | 0.0 | - |
| Capabilities | 0 | 0.11 | 0.0 | - |
| Integrations | 0 | 0.06 | 0.0 | - |
| Security Posture | 0 | 0.21 | 0.0 | - |
| Package Downloads | 0 | 0.17 | 0.0 | - |
| Stackoverflow Activity | 0 | 0.06 | 0.0 | - |
Computed . Re-weight it by intent, or see the full method.
All data & sourcesshow ↓
Every value we hold, with its source, retrieval date, and confidence. This is the evidence behind the score: don't trust it, verify it.
Activity
| Attribute | Value | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Commits last 30d | 36 | mediumsource · 2026-07-31 · 65% |
Adoption
| Attribute | Value | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Github stars | 2,843 | highsource · 2026-07-31 · 90% |
Content
| Attribute | Value | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Faq | [{"answer":"Setuptools simplifies the process of creating and distributing Python packages. It handles the packaging work that would otherwise require manual effort, allowing developers to prepare their code for installation via pip and publication to PyPI.","source":"https://setuptools.pypa.io/","question":"What problem does setuptools solve?","confidence":0.9},{"answer":"Setuptools is completely free to use as open source software with no licensing fees. Organizations requiring dedicated professional support can optionally subscribe to Tidelift for enterprise-grade assistance.","source":"https://setuptools.pypa.io/","question":"What is the cost of setuptools?","confidence":1},{"answer":"Yes, setuptools includes built-in support for building and packaging C and C++ extension modules, making it suitable for Python projects that incorporate compiled native libraries.","source":"https://setuptools.pypa.io/","question":"Does setuptools support native code extensions?","confidence":0.95},{"answer":"Setuptools is a command-line tool that integrates with Python's package management ecosystem. Developers invoke setuptools commands to prepare and configure their projects for distribution.","source":"https://setuptools.pypa.io/","question":"How is setuptools accessed and used?","confidence":0.9},{"answer":"Yes, setuptools facilitates the complete packaging workflow including preparation and uploading of packages to PyPI, making projects accessible for installation by other developers.","source":"https://setuptools.pypa.io/","question":"Can setuptools help publish to PyPI?","confidence":0.95},{"answer":"Setuptools supports packaging libraries designed for reuse by other developers as well as standalone applications and command-line tools. It handles the distribution infrastructure for a wide range of Python project types.","source":"https://setuptools.pypa.io/","question":"What types of Python projects can be packaged?","confidence":0.9},{"answer":"Setuptools is maintained as an open source project with community support. Tidelift offers professional support subscriptions for organizations that require dedicated enterprise-level assistance.","source":"https://setuptools.pypa.io/","question":"Is professional support available?","confidence":0.9}] | highsource · 2026-07-31 · 93% |
Language
| Attribute | Value | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Python | highsource · 2026-07-31 · 90% |
License
| Attribute | Value | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Spdx | MIT | highsource · 2026-07-31 · 95% |
Pricing
Release
| Attribute | Value | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cadence days | 6 | mediumsource · 2026-07-31 · 70% |