Python is an interpreted language, meaning its source code is executed line by line instead of being compiled into machine code beforehand. However, Python does provide ways to compile code into bytecode or even convert it into standalone executables.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
How Python executes code (Interpretation vs. Compilation)
Bytecode Compilation (.pyc files)
Ahead-of-Time (AOT) Compilation
Just-in-Time (JIT) Compilation
Compiling Python into Executables (.exe, .app, etc.)
1. Python Execution Process
Python follows a two-step process:
1️⃣ Source Code (.py) → Bytecode (.pyc)
2️⃣ Bytecode → Execution by Python Virtual Machine (PVM)
When you run a Python script:
python script.py
- Python first compiles the script into bytecode (.pyc files).
- The Python Virtual Machine (PVM) executes the bytecode.
2. Bytecode Compilation (.pyc Files)
Python automatically compiles scripts into bytecode and stores them in the __pycache__ directory.
How to Compile Python Code to Bytecode
python -m compileall script.py
This generates a compiled bytecode file inside __pycache__/:
__pycache__/script.cpython-39.pyc
✅ Faster execution on subsequent runs
✅ No need to recompile unless code changes
Manually Running a .pyc File
To execute a .pyc file, use:
python script.pyc
3. Ahead-of-Time (AOT) Compilation
Python provides tools to compile scripts into native executables using:
- Cython (compiles Python to C)
- Nuitka (compiles Python to C++)
- PyInstaller (packages Python into standalone executables)
4. Just-in-Time (JIT) Compilation with PyPy
JIT compilers optimize execution by translating code at runtime.
Faster than standard CPython for long-running programs
Install PyPy (Alternative Python Interpreter)
sudo apt install pypy
Run a script using PyPy:
pypy script.py
✅ Improves performance for loops and computations
5. Compiling Python to Executables (.exe, .app, etc.)
If you want to distribute a Python application without requiring Python to be installed, you can convert it into a standalone executable.
Using PyInstaller
Step 1: Install PyInstaller
pip install pyinstaller
Step 2: Compile Python Script into an Executable
pyinstaller --onefile script.py
This generates:
dist/script.exe (Windows)
dist/script (Linux/macOS)
✅ No need for Python to be installed
✅ Creates a single-file executable
6. Compiling Python to C using Cython
Cython can convert Python code into C code, improving performance.
Step 1: Install Cython
pip install cython
Step 2: Create a Python Script (script.py)
def hello():
print("Hello, World!")
Step 3: Compile to C
cython --embed -o script.c script.py
gcc -o script script.c $(python3-config --cflags --ldflags)
Now, run the compiled binary:
./script
✅ Faster execution
✅ Protects source code