Create Executable Self-extracting Archive in Python

Archiving and compressing files is a common task and it often involves creating ZIP files to efficiently bundle multiple files and folders into a single package. While ZIP files are widely used for this purpose, sometimes you may need to create self-extracting archives (SFX or SEA) for the convenience of your users. Self-extracting archives are executable files that can automatically extract their contents without requiring a separate unzip utility. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to create self-extracting archives programmatically in Python.

Python Library to Create Self-extracting Archives
Create a Self-extracting Archive in Python
Executing Self-extracting Archives from Command Line

Python Library to Create Self-extracting Archives#

Aspose.ZIP for Python is a powerful and easy-to-use Python library for working with ZIP archives. It provides various features for creating, manipulating, and extracting ZIP files. One of its notable features is the ability to create self-extracting archives, which can simplify the distribution of files to end users.

You can either download the library or install it from PyPI.

> pip install aspose-zip

Create a Self-extracting Archive in Python#

The following are the steps to create an executable self-extracting archive in Python.

First, create an object of Archive class.
Then, add files to the archive using Archive.create_entry(string, string) method.
Create an object of SelfExtractorOptions class to specify options for self-extracting archive.
Set options such as title, icon, etc.
Create an object of ArchiveSaveOptions class and set self_extractor_options property to the SelfExtractorOptions object we have just created.
Finally, save the self-extracting archive file using Archive.save(string, ArchiveSaveOptions) method.

The following code sample shows how to create an executable self-extracting archive in Python.

Executing Self-extracting Archives using Command Line#

Since we have created an executable self-extracting archive, you can execute the archive to extract its content. If you want to use the command line, you can extract the archive with the following command.

C:>archive.exe -autoExtract

Here, -autoExtract is the primary option that lets you extract the archive. In case the archive is password-protected, you can specify the password using -password option, as shown in the following command.

C:>archive.exe -autoExtract -password:T0p$ecret

Python ZIP Library – Get a Free License#

You can create executable self-extracting archives in Python without evaluation limitations by getting a free temporary license.

Learning Resources#

Learn more about our Python ZIP library using the resources given below:

API References
Support Forum

Online ZIP Tools#

Get access to our free online tools to work with ZIP archives. These tools are powered by Aspose.ZIP for Python and do not require you to create an account.

Conclusion#

Creating self-extracting archives can simplify the distribution of files to end users by eliminating the need for a separate unzip utility. Aspose.ZIP for Python makes it easy to create self-extracting archives with just a few lines of code. In this blog post, we’ve walked through the process of creating a self-extracting archive in Python. You can easily integrate the library into your Python applications and simplify the process of working with archives.