Difference between setup.py install and setup.py develop
python, setup.py, setuptools
Solution
`develop` creates an `.egg-link` file in the `site-packages` directory, which points back to the location of the project files. The same path is also added to the `easy-install.pth` file in the same location. Uninstalling with `setup.py develop -u` removes that link file again.
Do note that any `install_requires` dependencies not yet present are also installed, as regular eggs (they are `easy_install`-ed). Those dependencies are not uninstalled when uninstalling the development egg.
Problem
I am trying to improve my workflow when developing python modules and have a rather basic question. What exactly happens when choosing either option. To my knowledge develop leaves the files in place so I can modify them and play around with the package whereas install copies them in the site-packages folder of my python installation. How is the package linked to my python installation when using the develop option.