What are the Wheels and Eggs? What is the difference?

Python Wheels and Eggs: Understanding the Differences

Python Wheels and Eggs are both packaging formats used for distributing Python packages, but they have distinct characteristics and uses.

Python Wheels

• Introduction: Python Wheels, introduced by PEP 427 in 2012, are a more modern solution for package distribution[9].
• Format: Wheels are essentially a binary package format which means they include compiled bytecode, making installation faster as they do not require compilation at install time[5].
• Compatibility: Wheels support multiple versions of Python and multiple system architectures through their filename convention, which includes tags for Python version, ABI, and platform[3][5].
• Advantages: The main advantages of using wheels include faster installation times, avoidance of compiler dependency for installation, and better support for versioning and dependencies[5][7].

Python Eggs

• Introduction: Python Eggs were introduced by setuptools in 2004 and are an older distribution format[6][9].
• Format: Eggs are also a binary distribution format but are encapsulated as zip files that can include both metadata and Python bytecode[12].
• Usage: Eggs can be directly imported by Python and include capabilities for runtime installation if left zipped[6].
• Limitations: Unlike wheels, eggs do not have a standardized naming convention and are not versioned, which can lead to compatibility issues across different Python versions[3][6].

Key Differences

• Standardization: Wheels are standardized through PEP 427 and require PEP-376 compliance f...