Guide · Agent skill
How to use the Python Packaging Guide agent skill
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
The python-packaging skill is a set of instructions that gives an AI agent a standard, step-by-step method for turning Python code into an installable package. It is written for people who want to ship a Python library or command-line tool and need the project layout, configuration and build steps explained clearly. After following this guide you will know how to install the skill, ask for help with natural requests, and understand what the agent will and will not do.
Python Packaging Guidewshobson/agents · MIT Download the skill Quick start
- 1Install the skill. Download the ZIP from this page and unzip it into ~/.claude/skills/ or your project's .claude/skills/ folder, or upload it under Settings → Capabilities → Skills.
- 2Check your prerequisites. Make sure Python and pip are installed. Decide which build tool your project will use, such as setuptools or hatchling.
- 3Describe your project. Tell the agent what you are packaging, whether it is a library or a CLI tool, and whether you plan to publish it.
- 4Set up the layout and pyproject.toml. Ask the agent to create the source layout and a pyproject.toml with your name, version and dependencies.
- 5Build the distributions. Ask the agent to build a wheel and a source distribution, then check the output files.
- 6Test on TestPyPI. If you plan to publish, ask for a TestPyPI upload first so you can check the result before using the production index.
What the python-packaging skill makes the agent do
Once installed, the agent knows the standard way to set up a Python library or command-line tool. Its guidance covers the folder layout, a pyproject.toml configuration file, choosing a build backend such as setuptools or hatchling, building wheel and source distributions, and publishing to PyPI or TestPyPI.
The skill's main file, SKILL.md, describes two common layouts: a source layout with the code under src/package_name/, which it recommends, and a flat layout with the package at the top level. It also includes a minimal pyproject.toml example and points to reference files for more detailed patterns such as data files and namespace packages.
- Project structure: source layout (recommended) and flat layout
- pyproject.toml configuration and PEP 621 metadata
- Build backends: setuptools, hatchling, flit and poetry
- Building wheels (.whl) and source distributions (.tar.gz)
- Publishing to PyPI, or to TestPyPI for testing first
- Advanced patterns in references/advanced-patterns.md and references/details.md
Install the python-packaging skill
Download the skill ZIP from this page. Then choose one of the two install options below.
For a personal setup available across your projects, unzip the file into ~/.claude/skills/. To limit the skill to one project, unzip it into that project's .claude/skills/ folder instead.
If you use the Claude apps, you can upload the ZIP instead. Go to Settings → Capabilities → Skills and add it there.
- Personal: unzip into ~/.claude/skills/
- Project only: unzip into the project's .claude/skills/ folder
- Claude apps: Settings → Capabilities → Skills, then upload the ZIP
Trigger the skill with natural requests
You do not need a special command. The skill is meant to be used when your request matches its description: packaging Python libraries, creating CLI tools, or distributing Python code. Describe what you are trying to do in plain language and mention the package or tool you are working on.
Good requests name the goal and the situation, for example the kind of project, whether it is a library or a command, and whether you plan to publish it.
- "Set up pyproject.toml for my Python library so I can install it with pip."
- "Turn this script into a command-line tool with an entry point."
- "Restructure my project into a src layout before I publish it."
- "Build wheel and source distributions for version 0.2.0."
- "Walk me through publishing this package to TestPyPI first."
What you need before you start
The skill assumes you already have Python and pip installed. You also need a build tool such as setuptools or hatchling; which one you use depends on your project. Publishing requires a PyPI or TestPyPI account and an API token. You only need these accounts if you plan to upload the package.
The skill does not run scripts and does not use the network, according to its listing. Any commands the agent suggests are run by you or by the agent in your own environment.
- Python and pip
- A build tool such as setuptools or hatchling, chosen for your project
- A PyPI or TestPyPI account and API token, only if publishing
Example: a minimal pyproject.toml the agent works from
The skill's quick start uses a setuptools build backend, a project name and version, a readme, a minimum Python version and a list of dependencies. Optional development dependencies go in a separate table. The agent adapts this starting point to your project.
[build-system]
requires = ["setuptools>=61.0"]
build-backend = "setuptools.build_meta"
[project]
name = "my-package"
version = "0.1.0"
description = "A short description"
readme = "README.md"
requires-python = ">=3.8"
dependencies = [
"requests>=2.28.0",
]What people use it for
- Turning a utility script into an installable library with a pyproject.toml file
- Creating a command-line tool with entry points so users can run it from the terminal
- Preparing a first release of a library to PyPI or a private package index
- Restructuring an existing flat project into a src layout
- Including data files such as JSON or templates in a package, using the patterns in the reference files
Frequently asked questions
How do I install the python-packaging skill?
Download the ZIP from this page and unzip it into ~/.claude/skills/ for personal use, or into a project's .claude/skills/ folder for one project. In the Claude apps you can instead upload the ZIP under Settings → Capabilities → Skills.
What do I need to use this skill?
You need Python and pip, plus a build tool such as setuptools or hatchling chosen for your project. If you publish, you also need a PyPI or TestPyPI account and an API token.
Is the python-packaging skill free?
The skill is listed under the MIT licence. This page does not list any price, so check the source repository for its licence terms in full.
Does the skill run scripts or use the internet?
According to its listing, the skill does not run scripts and does not use the network. Commands it suggests are run in your own environment.
Can it help me publish to PyPI?
Yes. The skill covers publishing to PyPI and to TestPyPI for testing first. Publishing needs your own account and API token.
Who should not use this skill?
It is not suited to non-programmers, since it assumes working knowledge of Python tooling and the terminal. It also does not apply to projects not written in Python.
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Our verdict
This skill suits Python developers who are turning a script or library into an installable package, maintainers preparing a first PyPI or private index release, and anyone building a CLI tool with entry points. If you are not comfortable with Python tooling and terminal commands, or your project is not in Python, pick a different resource or learn the basics first.
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