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As programmers, we regularly depend on numerous exterior libraries to resolve totally different issues. These libraries are created by skillful builders and supply options that save us effort and time. However have you ever ever thought, “Can I create my custom libraries too?” The reply is sure! This text explains the mandatory steps that will help you accomplish that, whether or not you’re a skilled developer or simply beginning out. From writing and structuring your code to documentation and publishing, this information covers all of it.
Step-by-Step Information to Create A Library
Step 1: Initialize Your Venture
Begin by making a root listing in your mission.
Step 2: Create a Listing for Your Bundle
The following step is to create a listing in your bundle inside your mission’s listing.
multiples_library/
└──multiples/
Step 3: Add __init.py__
Now, add the __init.py__
inside your bundle’s listing. This file is the first indicator to Python that the listing it resides in is a bundle. It consists of initialization code if any and executes robotically when a bundle or any of its modules are imported.
multiples_library/
└── multiples/
└──__init__.py
Step 4: Add Modules
Now, it is advisable to add modules to the bundle’s listing. These modules sometimes encompass lessons and features. It’s a good apply to provide every module a significant identify describing its goal.
multiples_library/
│
└── multiples/
├── __init__.py
├── is_multiple_of_two.py
└── is_multiple_of_five.py
Step 5: Write into the Modules
On this step, you will outline the performance of every module. For instance, in my case:
Module: multiple_of_two.py
def is_multiple_of_two(quantity):
""" Check if a number is a multiple of two. """
return quantity % 2 == 0
Module: multiple_of_five.py
def is_multiple_of_five(quantity):
""" Check if a number is a multiple of five. """
return quantity % 5 == 0
Step 6: Add setup.py
The following step is so as to add one other file known as setup.py to your bundle’s listing.
multiples_library/
│
├── multiples/
│ ├── __init__.py
│ ├── is_multiple_of_two.py
│ └── is_multiple_of_five.py
│
└──setup.py
This file accommodates metadata about your bundle, comparable to its identify, dependencies, creator, model, description, and extra. It additionally defines which modules to incorporate and gives directions for constructing and putting in the bundle.
from setuptools import setup, find_packages
setup(
identify="multiples_library", # Change along with your bundle’s identify
model='0.1.0',
packages=find_packages(),
install_requires=[
# List your dependencies here
],
creator="Your name",
author_email="Your e-mail",
description='A library for checking multiples of two and 5.',
classifiers=[
'Programming Language :: Python :: 3',
'License :: OSI Approved :: MIT License', # License type
'Operating System :: OS Independent',
],
python_requires=">=3.6",
)
Step 7: Add Assessments & Different Recordsdata [Optional]
This step just isn’t essential, however it’s a good apply if you wish to construct an error-free {and professional} library. At this step, the mission construction is last and appears considerably like this:
multiples_library/
│
├── multiples/
│ ├── __init__.py
│ ├── is_multiple_of_two.py
│ └── is_multiple_of_five.py
│
│
├── exams/
│ ├── __init__.py
│ ├── test_is_multiple_of_two.py
│ └── test_is_multiple_of_five.py
│
├── docs/
│
├── LICENSE.txt
├── CHANGES.txt
├── README.md
├── setup.py
└── necessities.txt
Now I’ll clarify to you what’s the goal of non-obligatory recordsdata and folders that are talked about within the root listing:
- exams/: Incorporates check circumstances in your library to make sure it behaves as anticipated.
- docs/: Incorporates documentation in your library.
- LICENSE.txt: Incorporates the licensing phrases beneath which others can use your code.
- CHANGES.txt: Data adjustments to the library.
- README.md: Incorporates the outline of your bundle, and set up directions.
- necessities.txt: Lists the exterior dependencies required by your library, and you’ll set up these packages with a single command (
pip set up -r necessities.txt
).
These descriptions are fairly simple and you’ll get the aim of the non-obligatory recordsdata and folders very quickly. Nonetheless, I want to talk about the non-obligatory exams listing slightly to make clear its utilization.
exams/ listing
You will need to observe you could add a exams listing inside your root listing, i.e., multiples_library
, or inside your bundle’s listing, i.e., multiples
. The selection is yours; nonetheless, I prefer to maintain it on the prime degree throughout the root listing as I feel it’s a higher approach to modularize your code.
A number of libraries assist you to write check circumstances. I’ll use essentially the most well-known one and my private favourite “unittest.”
Unit Take a look at/s for is_multiple_of_two
The check case/s for this module is included contained in the test_is_multiple_of_two.py
file.
import unittest
import sys
import os
sys.path.insert(0, os.path.abspath(os.path.be part of(os.path.dirname(__file__), '..')))
from multiples.is_multiple_of_two import is_multiple_of_two
class TestIsMultipleOfTwo(unittest.TestCase):
def test_is_multiple_of_two(self):
self.assertTrue(is_multiple_of_two(4))
if __name__ == '__main__':
unittest.primary()
Unit Take a look at/s for is_multiple_of_five
The check case/s for this module is included contained in the test_is_multiple_of_five.py
file.
import unittest
import sys
import os
sys.path.insert(0, os.path.abspath(os.path.be part of(os.path.dirname(__file__), '..')))
from multiples.is_multiple_of_five import is_multiple_of_five
class TestIsMultipleOfFive(unittest.TestCase):
def test_is_multiple_of_five(self):
self.assertTrue(is_multiple_of_five(75))
if __name__ == '__main__':
unittest.primary()
The unit exams above are fairly simple however I’ll clarify two features for additional clarification.
self.assertTrue(expression)
checks whether or not the expression evaluates to “True.” The check will solely cross if the results of the expression is “True.”unittest.primary()
perform known as to run all of the check circumstances outlined within the file.
Step 8: Distribute Your Bundle Utilizing PyPI
To make your library simply accessible to others, you possibly can add it to PyPI. Comply with these steps to distribute your bundle:
- Create an account on PyPI and allow two-factor authentication.
- Create an API token by giving a token identify and choosing scope to the “Entire account.” Then, copy it fastidiously because it solely seems as soon as.
- Now, it is advisable to create a .pypirc file.
For MacOS/Linux, open the terminal and run the next command: - Edit .pypirc file by copying and pasting the next configuration:
- Guarantee you have got a setup.py file in your mission’s root listing. Run the next command to create distribution recordsdata:
- Twine is a software that’s used to add packages to PyPI. Set up twine by working the next command:
- Now add your bundle to PyPI by working the next command:
For Home windows, open the command immediate and run the next command:
cd %USERPROFILE%
sort NUL > .pypirc
The file is created and resides at ~/.pypirc within the case of MacOS/Linux and %USERPROFILE%/.pypirc within the case of Home windows.
[distutils]
index-servers =
pypi
[pypi]
username = __token__
password = pypi-
Change
python3 setup.py sdist bdist_wheel
Step 9: Set up and Use the Library
You may set up the library by the next command:
pip set up [your-package]
In my case:
pip set up multiples_library
Now, you should utilize the library as follows:
from multiples.is_multiple_of_five import is_multiple_of_five
from multiples.is_multiple_of_two import is_multiple_of_two
print(is_multiple_of_five(10))
# Outputs True
print(is_multiple_of_two(11))
# Outputs False
Wrapping Up
Briefly, making a Python library may be very attention-grabbing, and distributing it makes it helpful for others. I’ve tried to cowl every part it is advisable to create a library in Python as clearly as potential. Nonetheless, for those who get caught or confused at any level, please don’t hesitate to ask questions within the feedback part.
Kanwal Mehreen Kanwal is a machine studying engineer and a technical author with a profound ardour for information science and the intersection of AI with medication. She co-authored the e-book “Maximizing Productivity with ChatGPT”. As a Google Technology Scholar 2022 for APAC, she champions range and educational excellence. She’s additionally acknowledged as a Teradata Variety in Tech Scholar, Mitacs Globalink Analysis Scholar, and Harvard WeCode Scholar. Kanwal is an ardent advocate for change, having based FEMCodes to empower ladies in STEM fields.