It’s harder than it might seem to create a stand-alone Python app. It’s also harder than you might think to reliably back up SQLite databases, but Python has the tools for it. And while it’s not easy to install Python on an air-gapped machine, it absolutely can be done.
Top picks for Python readers on InfoWorld
Why it’s so hard to create stand-alone Python apps
Python’s dynamism is one of its most powerful features. It’s also why making stand-alone apps from Python programs is such a bear.
How to back up SQLite databases the right way (not by copying them!)
SQLite databases are single files, so backing them up just means copying them, right? Wrong. Make backups the proper way by using SQLite’s own backup mechanisms.
Python’s new frozendict type, demonstrated
A long-desired and -debated core addition to the language: a “frozen” or immutable dictionary, is coming in Python 3.15. See where it’ll be most useful in our live demo.
How to set up Python on an air-gapped system
Stuck working with a machine that has limited or no network connectivity, but still needs a Python installation? Such feats are possible — just tricky!
More good reads and Python updates elsewhere
Python 3.15 is getting sentinel values
No more abusing object() for creating alternatives to None or booleans. sentinel() offers a better, and native, alternative.
Package MATLAB programs for deployment as Python packages
A great way to bridge the worlds of MATLAB and Python, the Python Package Compiler takes MATLAB programs and makes them deployable as pip-installable Python packages.
Choosing a Python logging library in 2026
From the Python standard library’s logging module to the Microsoft-backed, C-based picologging library, there may be more options for logging in your Python apps than you realized.
Semi-off-topic: NetHack 5.0
Great news: The great-granddaddy of dungeon crawlers is getting its first new version in six years! Not-so-great news: Your older saved games won’t work. Go back to Level 1 and get grinding.