Shiv
Build fully self-contained zipapps with all dependencies included.
Pricing
Free tier
Flat rate
Adoption
→StableLicense
Open Source
Data freshness
Aging · Jun 8, 2026Overview
What is Shiv?
Shiv is a command line utility that allows developers to create portable Python applications by packaging them into self-contained zip files, including all necessary dependencies. This makes it easy to distribute and run Python apps in environments where installation of external packages might be restricted or undesirable.
Key differentiator
“Shiv stands out by providing a straightforward way to package Python applications with all their dependencies, making it ideal for environments where dependency management is challenging or restricted.”
Capability profile
Capability Radar
Honest assessment
Strengths & Weaknesses
↑ Strengths
↓ Weaknesses
Shiv is specifically designed for packaging Python applications and does not support other programming languages.
Complex dependencies can sometimes lead to missing or conflicting packages within the self-contained zip files.
Some Python packages require manual configuration or additional steps to be included properly in the zip file.
Fit analysis
Who is it for?
✓ Best for
Developers who need to distribute Python apps with minimal setup requirements.
Teams working in environments with strict dependency management policies.
Individuals looking for a simple way to share Python scripts without complex installations.
✕ Not a fit for
Projects requiring real-time updates or dynamic dependencies that change frequently.
Scenarios where the size of the distributed application is critical and must be minimized.
Cost structure
Pricing
Free Tier
Available
Open source — free to use
Starts at
$0
Model
Flat rate
Enterprise
None
Performance benchmarks
How Fast Is It?
Ecosystem
Relationships
Alternatives
Works well with
Next step
Get Started with Shiv
Step-by-step setup guide with code examples and common gotchas.