Talks - Henry Fredrick Schreiner III: Modern binary build systems

Modern Python packaging now has standardized build backends via PEP 517, replacing the older setup.py approach

Key build tools include:

• scikit-build-core for CMake-based builds
• Maturin for Rust-based packages
• Meson-python for Meson build system integration

scikit-build-core features:

• Over 40 configuration options in pyproject.toml
• Plugin system for extending functionality
• Support for editable installs
• CMake-based builds with minimal configuration
• Dynamic metadata generation capabilities

Cross-platform binary wheel building is supported through:

• cibuildwheel for automated builds across platforms
• Conda package integration
• Support for Apple Silicon and multiple Python versions

Recent improvements in Python packaging:

• Stable ABI support for Python 3.12+
• Better handling of dependencies
• Standardized metadata handling
• Support for free-threaded Python
• Schema validation for pyproject.toml

Build system integration:

• Direct support for CMake projects
• Ability to build executables and extensions
• Integration with modern IDEs
• Support for shipping binary dependencies

Ecosystem improvements:

• Reduced boilerplate compared to distutils/setuptools
• Better integration with package managers
• Standardized configuration through pyproject.toml
• Growing adoption in scientific Python community