How should I structure a Python package that contains Cython code

Question

I\'d like to make a Python package containing some Cython code. I\'ve got the the Cython code working nicely. However, now I want to know how best to package it.

For

Answer 1

Adding to Craig McQueen's answer: see below for how to override the sdist command to have Cython automatically compile your source files before creating a source distribution.

That way your run no risk of accidentally distributing outdated C sources. It also helps in the case where you have limited control over the distribution process e.g. when automatically creating distributions from continuous integration etc.

from distutils.command.sdist import sdist as _sdist

...

class sdist(_sdist):
    def run(self):
        # Make sure the compiled Cython files in the distribution are up-to-date
        from Cython.Build import cythonize
        cythonize(['cython/mycythonmodule.pyx'])
        _sdist.run(self)
cmdclass['sdist'] = sdist