Release your first Python package safely.

Discuss the idea before building

Start by explaining the package idea to an adviser, experienced developer, teammate, or AI assistant. Ask what problem it solves, who would use it, what the smallest useful version should do, and whether an existing package already solves most of it.

Choose a clear package name

Pick a name that is short, relevant, easy to pronounce, easy to type, and connected to the package purpose. Avoid names that are too broad, too clever, or close to an existing popular project.

• Prefer descriptive names over jokes.
• Check spelling and possible confusion.
• Use the same name for PyPI, GitHub, CLI, and docs when possible.
• Avoid names that could create trademark or brand confusion.

Create a clean Python package structure

Use a modern src/ layout. It prevents accidental imports from your working directory and makes install testing more reliable.

my-package/
├── pyproject.toml
├── README.md
├── LICENSE
├── CHANGELOG.md
├── src/
│   └── mypackage/
│       ├── __init__.py
│       └── cli.py
├── tests/
│   └── test_cli.py
└── docs/
    └── getting-started.md

[build-system]
requires = ["hatchling>=1.18,<1.27"]
build-backend = "hatchling.build"

[project]
name = "mypackage"
version = "0.0.1"
description = "A short, clear description of what your package does."
authors = [{ name = "Your Name" }]
readme = "README.md"
license = { text = "MIT" }
requires-python = ">=3.10"
dependencies = []

[project.urls]
Homepage = "https://github.com/yourname/mypackage"
Repository = "https://github.com/yourname/mypackage"
Issues = "https://github.com/yourname/mypackage/issues"

[project.scripts]
mypackage = "mypackage.cli:main"

[tool.hatch.build.targets.wheel]
packages = ["src/mypackage"]

def main() -> None:
    print("mypackage is installed and working")


if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

Check name availability and brand risk

Check the name before writing too much code. PyPI and TestPyPI are separate registries, so check both. Also search GitHub and the web to avoid confusion with existing projects or brands.

https://pypi.org/project/mypackage/
https://test.pypi.org/project/mypackage/
https://github.com/yourname/mypackage

Create accounts and secure tokens

You need accounts on GitHub, TestPyPI, and PyPI. TestPyPI is for practice releases. PyPI is the real public package index.

• Create or confirm your GitHub account.
• Create a TestPyPI account at test.pypi.org.
• Create a PyPI account at pypi.org.
• Enable two-factor authentication on PyPI and TestPyPI.
• Create an API token for TestPyPI.
• Create an API token for PyPI.

Write code, README, license, and tests

A package does not need to be large, but it should be clear. The README should explain what the package does, why it exists, how to install it, and how to verify it works.

# mypackage

One clear sentence explaining what the package does and who it helps.

## Why

Explain the small problem this package solves. Keep it practical and honest.

## Installation

```bash
pip install mypackage
```

## Quick Start

```bash
mypackage
```

Expected output:

```text
mypackage is installed and working
```

## Development

```bash
python -m pip install --upgrade build twine pytest
python -m pytest -q
```

## License

MIT

from mypackage.cli import main


def test_main_runs(capsys):
    main()
    captured = capsys.readouterr()
    assert "working" in captured.out

# Changelog

## 0.0.1

- First public package structure.
- Added CLI command.
- Added README, license, and install test.

Push the initial GitHub commit

Push your source code to GitHub so users can inspect it and PyPI can link to the repository. If your project is not already a Git repo, initialize it first.

git init
git add .
git commit -m "Initial package release"
git branch -M main
git remote add origin https://github.com/yourname/mypackage.git
git push -u origin main

Install from TestPyPI in a clean folder

Do not test inside your package source folder. Python may import local files and hide an installation problem. Use a temporary folder and a fresh environment.

cd /tmp
python -m venv mypackage-test
source mypackage-test/bin/activate
python -m pip install --upgrade pip
python -m pip install --index-url https://test.pypi.org/simple/ --extra-index-url https://pypi.org/simple/ your-exact-package-name
your-cli-command --help

cd $env:TEMP
py -m venv mypackage-test
.\mypackage-test\Scripts\Activate.ps1
python -m pip install --upgrade pip
python -m pip install --index-url https://test.pypi.org/simple/ --extra-index-url https://pypi.org/simple/ your-exact-package-name
your-cli-command --help

python -m pip install --index-url https://test.pypi.org/simple/ --extra-index-url https://pypi.org/simple/ your-exact-package-name==0.0.1

Verify the live PyPI release

Open the live project page and test installation from real PyPI. This is the final confirmation users can install your package.

https://pypi.org/project/your-exact-package-name/

cd /tmp
python -m venv pypi-live-test
source pypi-live-test/bin/activate
python -m pip install --upgrade pip
python -m pip install your-exact-package-name
your-cli-command --help

Test in a real application

After the clean temporary install works, try the package inside a real project. This catches practical issues that a minimal test may miss.

cd path/to/real-project
python -m pip install your-exact-package-name
your-cli-command --help

If you find a problem, do not try to replace the existing PyPI version. Fix the code, update the version number, rebuild, test, and publish a new version.

Replace broad tokens with project-scoped tokens

The first upload often needs an account-wide token because the project does not exist yet. After the first upload succeeds, remove that risk.

1. Go to PyPI account settings.
2. Create a new API token.
3. Choose the scope for only this project.
4. Save it in a password manager or CI secret store.
5. Update any release automation to use the new token.
6. Delete the old all-project token.