dashc

Tool to generate python -c bash scripts as if they were a package format.

About

dashc lets you bundle Python source code (a single file or an entire package) into a executable shell script. Instead of shipping loose files, you can hand over a bash command (or .sh script) that self-contains your Python logic and runs without needing to touch the filesystem.

Features:

• Single file mode – wrap a single .py into a compressed string or plain text.
• Module mode – zip up a package with __main__.py or a specified module:function entrypoint.
• Bash-friendly – outputs either a plain (python -c '...') or a script with a shebang.
• Validates syntax – checks both Python and Bash syntax before generating.

Installation

It is recommended to install with pipx:

pipx install dashc

This keeps dashc isolated in its own environment while making the CLI available globally.

Usage

Run with:

dashc [--version] [--verbose|--quiet|--dry-run] <command> [options]

Global options:

• --version – show version
• --verbose – debug logging
• --quiet – suppress logs except errors
• --dry-run – simulate actions without writing files

Commands

• file – Compile a single .py into a script.
• module – Package a directory and run __main__.py or a chosen entrypoint.

Example

Single file to script:

dashc file send_email.py --out run_send_email.sh
./run_send_email.sh --to test@example.com

Single file to script:

dashc file send_email.py --one-line
# -> prints a bash command like: python -c '...'

Module with __main__.py:

dashc module ./send_email --out run_pkg.sh
./run_pkg.sh --config config.yaml

Module with function entrypoint:

dashc module ./send_email --entrypoint send_email.cli:main --out run_cli.sh
./run_cli.sh --to test@example.com

Prior Art / Alternatives

• zipapp (python -m zipapp) – Standard library tool for packaging Python code into .pyz archives runnable with Python.
• shiv, pex – Build self-contained Python executables with full dependency resolution.
• pyinstaller – Freezes Python programs into standalone executables.