Shiv

Build fully self-contained zipapps with all dependencies included.

EstablishedOpen SourceLow lock-in

Pricing

See website

Flat rate

Adoption

Stable

License

Open Source

Data freshness

Overview

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

Strength Radar

Creates self-con…Easy to distribu…Supports PEP 441…

Honest assessment

Strengths & Weaknesses

↑ Strengths

Creates self-contained zipapps with all dependencies included.

Easy to distribute and run Python applications in isolated environments.

Supports PEP 441 for creating standalone executable files.

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

None

Starts at

See website

Model

Flat rate

Enterprise

None

Performance benchmarks

How Fast Is It?

Ecosystem

Relationships

Next step

Get Started with Shiv

Step-by-step setup guide with code examples and common gotchas.

View Setup Guide →