Q60: What is a Python Wheel (.whl) package and why is it preferred over Source Distributions (sdist)?
sdist(.tar.gz): Source distribution requiring compilation of C-extensions on the target machine during installation.Wheel(.whl): Built package format containing pre-compiled binaries, enabling fast instant installation without local compiler dependencies.
Key Takeaways
- Wheels (.whl) deliver pre-compiled binaries.
- Eliminates build compiler setup steps during
pip install.
Knowledge Check
What primary advantage do Wheel packages (.whl) provide over Source Distributions (sdist)?