What is PyPI metadata in Python packages?

What is PyPI metadata in Python packages?

PyPI metadata refers to the information about a Python package that is stored on the Python Package Index (PyPI). This includes details like the package name, version, author, description, and dependencies.

Why is it important to include metadata in my package?

Including metadata is crucial because it helps users understand what your package does, its dependencies, and how to install it. It also aids in package discovery and management.

Can you give me an example of PyPI metadata?

Sure! An example of PyPI metadata in a setup.py file would be:

from setuptools import setup
setup(
    name='example-package',
    version='0.1',
    author='Your Name',
    description='An example Python package',
    install_requires=['requests'],
)

How do I view the metadata of an installed package?

You can view the metadata of an installed package using the command pip show package_name, which will display details like version, author, and dependencies.