dh-python

debhelper extensions for Python packaging

TLDR

Build Python 3 package with debhelper

$ dh_python3

Specify supported Python versions

$ dh_python3 --shebang=/usr/bin/python3

Build with specific Python package directory

$ dh_python3 -p [package-name]

Generate dependencies from requires.txt

$ dh_python3 --depends

SYNOPSIS

dh_python3 [options]dh_python2 [options] (deprecated)

dh-python provides debhelper extensions for packaging Python modules and applications in Debian. The main commands are dh_python3 for Python 3 packages and the deprecated dh_python2 for Python 2.These tools handle Python-specific packaging tasks: byte-compiling modules, generating dependencies from Python metadata, fixing shebangs to use system Python, and creating proper package relationships.In debian/rules, dh_python3 is typically invoked automatically through the dh sequencer with --with python3. It reads configuration from debian/control and Python metadata files.

PARAMETERS

-p, --package package

Act on specified package.

-n, --no-package package

Exclude package.

--shebang path

Use specific Python interpreter in shebangs.

--depends section

Generate dependencies from specified section.

--recommends section

Generate recommends from specified section.

--suggests section

Generate suggests from specified section.

-v, --verbose

Verbose output.

-Oopt

Pass option to debhelper.

INSTALL

yay -S dh-python

CAVEATS

Python 2 support (dh_python2) is deprecated and removed from modern Debian. Multiple Python versions require careful handling. Virtual environments are not directly supported; packages install to system directories. Byte-compilation errors may indicate syntax issues.

HISTORY

dh-python was developed for Debian to replace the older python-support and python-central systems. Created by Piotr Ożarowski around 2012, it provided a cleaner approach to Python packaging as Python 3 became standard. The tool became the standard method for Debian Python packages and is used by Ubuntu and derivatives.