py_compilefiles

py_compilefiles [options] [directories...]

-d
    Sets the destination directory for compiled files. If not specified, files are created in the same directory as the source files.

-f
    Forces recompilation, even if the bytecode file already exists and is newer than the source file.

-h
    Displays help message and exits.

-i
    Ignores errors during compilation and continues processing other files.

-o
    Specifies the optimization level for compilation. Values like '0', '1', or '2' may be supported.

-p
    Sets the prefix for file paths. This affects how file paths are stored in the bytecode.

-r
    Recursively descends into subdirectories to find Python source files.

-q
    Quiet mode. Suppresses verbose output.

[directories...]
    List of directories to search for Python source files.

The `py_compilefiles` command is a utility designed to compile Python source files into bytecode (`.pyc` or `.pyo` files). These compiled files can speed up the execution of Python programs, particularly for large projects or when modules are frequently imported. It iterates through specified directories, typically recursively, compiling any `.py` files it encounters. This process creates the corresponding `.pyc` (or `.pyo` if optimization is enabled) files in the same directory (or a specified destination). It's often used as part of deployment or build processes to pre-compile Python code, reducing import times when the application is run. The command often utilizes the `compileall` module or equivalent logic for the actual compilation process.

This tool helps in ensuring that Python programs can execute with improved efficiency due to bytecode caching. Pre-compilation helps avoid runtime compilation delay, particularly during the initial import of Python modules. The command may provide options to control optimization level, recursion depth, and other compile-related settings.

The exact options and behavior of `py_compilefiles` can vary depending on the specific implementation and the underlying Python environment (e.g., the `compileall` module). Not all Python distributions include a standalone `py_compilefiles` command; the functionality may be integrated into other build tools or scripts.

Pay attention to the exit code of the command. A non-zero exit code usually indicates that one or more files failed to compile. Use the '-i' flag to ignore compilation errors and proceed with the rest of the files, but be aware that this might lead to runtime problems if the faulty files are used.

By default, `.pyc` files are created next to their respective `.py` files. The location and the naming convention might depend on the Python version and the way the Python interpreter or module is invoked (e.g., `-o` option). Use the '-d' flag to explicitly define an output location.

python(1), compileall(1)