Python Package Resource Framework

A Python Package Resource Framework is a resource packaging framework that provides structured methods for organizing, distributing, and accessing non-Python resources within Python packages.

• AKA: Package Resources, Python Package Data, Resource Packaging Framework, Package Asset Framework, Python Resource Distribution Framework.
• Context:
  • It can typically define Package Structure Conventions through src layouts, namespace packages, and resource directorys.
  • It can typically manage Resource Inclusion Rules using MANIFEST.in files, setup.py configurations, or pyproject.toml specifications.
  • It can often support Resource Access Patterns through importlib.resources, pkg_resources, or __file__ references.
  • It can often handle Binary Resource Distribution including image files, data files, and compiled assets.
  • It can enable Cross-Platform Compatibility across Windows systems, Linux systems, and macOS systems.
  • It can facilitate Zip-Safe Distribution where packages work from compressed archives without extraction.
  • It can implement Resource Versioning Strategys for asset updates and backward compatibility.
  • It can integrate with Build Systems including setuptools, poetry, and flit.
  • It can support Namespace Packages for distributed development and plugin architectures.
  • It can range from being a Simple Python Package Resource Framework to being a Complex Python Package Resource Framework, depending on its feature scope.
  • It can range from being a Single-Package Python Package Resource Framework to being a Multi-Package Python Package Resource Framework, depending on its distribution model.
  • It can range from being a Static Python Package Resource Framework to being a Dynamic Python Package Resource Framework, depending on its resource loading.
  • It can range from being a Local Python Package Resource Framework to being a PyPI-Distributed Python Package Resource Framework, depending on its distribution channel.
  • ...
• Examples:
  • Package Layout Patterns, such as:
    • Src Layout Pattern with src/package_name/ structure.
    • Flat Layout Pattern with package_name/ at root.
    • Namespace Package Layout for plugin systems.
  • Resource Organizations, such as:
    • Data Directory Structure, such as:
      • templates/ for template files.
      • static/ for web assets.
      • resources/ for general resources.
    • Configuration File Placement, such as:
      • config/ for configuration files.
      • schemas/ for validation schemas.
      • fixtures/ for test data.
  • Access Method Implementations, such as:
    • Modern importlib.resources for Python 3.9+.
    • Legacy pkg_resources for backward compatibility.
    • Hybrid Access Pattern supporting multiple Python versions.
  • Build Configurations, such as:
    • setuptools Configuration with package_data.
    • Poetry Configuration with include directives.
    • Flit Configuration with resource specifications.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • External Resource Reference, which stores resources outside package boundarys.
  • Hardcoded Path Reference, which uses absolute paths instead of package-relative paths.
  • Runtime Download Pattern, which fetches resources during execution rather than packaging.
  • Unstructured File Collection, which lacks organized structure and access patterns.
• See: Prompt-as-Code Framework, Prompt Template Loader System, Python Package Management System, Software Distribution Framework, Resource Management Framework, Python Library, PyPI Distribution System, Build System Framework, Namespace Package Pattern.

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