**Course Title:** PyQt6 Application Development **Section Title:** Deploying PyQt6 Applications **Topic:** Packaging a PyQt6 app with PyInstaller and creating an installer.(Lab topic) **Introduction** ---------------- In this lab topic, we'll explore how to package a PyQt6 application using PyInstaller, a popular tool for creating standalone executables from Python scripts. We'll also cover the basics of creating an installer for our application. **Why Packaging is Important** ----------------------------- Packaging is a crucial step in application development, as it allows users to easily install and run our application without having to deal with dependencies or environment setup. By packaging our application, we can ensure that it works seamlessly on different platforms and environments. **Prerequisites** ----------------- Before we dive into packaging our application, make sure you have: * Python 3.8 or later installed on your system. * PyInstaller installed using pip: `pip install pyinstaller` * PyQt6 installed using pip: `pip install pyqt6` * A working PyQt6 application that you'd like to package. **Packaging with PyInstaller** ----------------------------- PyInstaller is a simple and effective tool for packaging Python applications. Here's a basic workflow for packaging a PyQt6 application using PyInstaller: ### Step 1: Install PyInstaller If you haven't already, install PyInstaller using pip: `pip install pyinstaller` ### Step 2: Create a `main.py` file Create a `main.py` file in the root directory of your project. This file should contain the main entry point of your application. ### Step 3: Add dependencies to `main.py` Make sure to import all dependencies required by your application in `main.py`. This includes PyQt6 modules, as well as any other external libraries your application uses. ### Step 4: Run PyInstaller Navigate to the root directory of your project and run the following command: `pyinstaller --onefile main.py` This will create a standalone executable for your application in the `dist` directory. **Creating an Installer** ------------------------- To create an installer for our application, we'll use a tool like NSIS (Nullsoft Scriptable Install System) for Windows or CreateDMG for macOS and Linux. Here's a basic workflow for creating an installer: ### Step 1: Choose an Installer Tool Depending on your target platform, choose an installer tool: * NSIS (Nullsoft Scriptable Install System) for Windows: [https://nsis.sourceforge.io/](https://nsis.sourceforge.io/) * CreateDMG for macOS and Linux: [https://github.com/sindresorhus/createdmg](https://github.com/sindresorhus/createdmg) ### Step 2: Create an Installer Script Create a script for your chosen installer tool. This script will define the installation process, including copying files, creating shortcuts, and registering file associations. ### Step 3: Build the Installer Run the installer script to build the installer package. This will create a `.exe` file for Windows or a `.dmg` file for macOS and Linux. **Lab Exercise** ---------------- **Objective:** Package a PyQt6 application using PyInstaller and create an installer. **Requirements:** * Create a simple PyQt6 application using a GUI framework like QMainWindow or QDialog. * Use PyInstaller to package the application as a standalone executable. * Create an installer for the packaged executable using an installer tool like NSIS or CreateDMG. **Task:** 1. Create a new PyQt6 project using a GUI framework like QMainWindow or QDialog. 2. Package the application using PyInstaller as a standalone executable. 3. Create an installer for the packaged executable using an installer tool like NSIS or CreateDMG. **Help and Comments** ---------------------- If you need help or have questions about packaging a PyQt6 application or creating an installer, feel free to leave a comment below. **What's Next?** ---------------- In the next topic, we'll explore platform-specific features, including system tray and notifications. We'll cover how to integrate these features into our PyQt6 application to enhance user experience and functionality. [Proceed to the next topic: **Exploring platform-specific features (system tray, notifications)**](#) Remember to submit your project files and ask for help if you're stuck.