# What is PyPA (Python Packaging Authority)?


The [Python Packaging Authority (PyPA)](https://www.pypa.io/en/latest/) is the working group that maintains the tools most Python developers use to package, share, and install software. It also maintains the official [Python Packaging User Guide](https://packaging.python.org/en/latest/).

PyPA's most widely used projects handle distinct parts of the packaging workflow: pip installs packages, [setuptools](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/setuptools.md) builds them, [wheel](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/wheel.md) defines the binary distribution format, and [twine](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/twine.md) uploads them to [PyPI](https://pypi.org). A [full list of PyPA projects](https://packaging.python.org/en/latest/key_projects/#pypa-projects) covers additional tools for dependency resolution, metadata standards, and more.

PyPA's governance was originally described in [PEP 609](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/what-is-pep-609.md). In April 2026, [PEP 772](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/what-is-pep-772.md) replaced that model with an elected Packaging Council that holds authority over packaging standards and the Packaging User Guide.

[Many tools in the Python packaging ecosystem](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/uv-not-in-ppug.md) are not affiliated with PyPA,
including
[poetry](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/poetry.md),
[pdm](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/pdm.md), and
conda.

## Learn More

* [PyPA website](https://www.pypa.io/en/latest/)
* [What is PEP 772?](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/explanation/what-is-pep-772.md) (Packaging Council governance)