How to Convert PY Files to PYC

Use modules included with the Python command line interpreter program when you wish to optimize Python code with pre-compiled “PYC” files. Python source code files typically include a “PY” suffix and are compiled at run time. “PYC” files are “PY” files compiled into bytecode that can be used to optimize Python program speed by reducing the time required to load files. Generate “PYC” files from “PY” files before running a Python program when you need the program to load faster.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows “Start” button and then “Computer.” Navigate to the directory containing PY files that you wish to convert to PYC files.

2. Press and hold down the “Shift” key and right-click empty space in the PY file directory. Click the “Open command window here” menu option.

3. Type “python -m compileall” on the command line and press “Enter.”

4. Type “dir” at the command prompt and press “Enter.” View the command line output to confirm that all PY files have a corresponding PYC file.

References

• Network Theory Ltd: An Introduction to Python
• Python: Library Reference
• Pydoc: Compileall