setup.cfg
setup.cfg is a configuration file used in Python projects to define metadata and settings for packaging, distribution, and development tools. It serves as a static, declarative alternative to setup.py for specifying project details like name, version, dependencies, and entry points. This file is commonly used with tools like setuptools, flit, and pip to streamline project setup and management.
Developers should use setup.cfg when building Python packages to ensure consistent and reproducible builds, as it separates configuration from executable code, reducing errors and improving maintainability. It is particularly useful for defining dependencies, package metadata, and tool configurations (e.g., for testing or linting) in a single, version-controlled file, making it essential for open-source projects and team collaborations.