Setuptools Data Files Analysis

This tool analyzes packaging metadata related to data files for Python projects, focusing on data_files entries in setup.py and patterns in MANIFEST.in. It identifies which files are included in distributions (sdist and wheel) and flags common gaps such as missing data files or overly broad patterns. The analysis is designed for project maintainers, release engineers, and CI workflows seeking reproducible packaging.
Conceptually, the tool parses setup.py to extract data_files or package_data rules, reads MANIFEST.in to resolve include/exclude directives, and walks the project tree to map each file to an inclusion decision. It computes a representative installed size by summing file sizes and applies simple normalization to account for platform differences. It also detects glob patterns and potential dynamic data generation.
Unique value lies in supporting both setup.py data_files and MANIFEST.in, providing a unified report that cross-validates the two sources, and offering concrete recommendations to fix omissions or bloated inclusions. Beneficiaries include open-source projects, enterprise Python teams, and any release process relying on accurate distributions.
Core features include data-file inventories, size estimates, validity checks, cross-source consistency, and exportable summaries suitable for audits. Use cases include pre-release packaging checks, CI gate validations, and historical comparisons to track packaging hygiene improvements.