How Do .exe Files Execute Code?

PyInstaller wraps your Python app along with the Python interpreter and its dependencies into one easy-to-use .exe file. When that exe runs, it extracts everything it needs into a temporary location and then kicks off the Python interpreter to start executing your code. Those extra .pyc files might just be part of the main program, its dependencies, or files that help PyInstaller work properly.

Different operating systems handle executable files in various ways. Windows uses the PE (Portable Executable) format. When you run an executable, it creates a process, allocates memory, and manages loads, which can be quite intensive. There are various types as well, including those that need an interpreter to run, like Python bytecode, and fully native executables that run straight from the OS. It’s a pretty messy process under the hood!

Just so you know, .exe files aren’t meant to be human-readable, so don’t stress too much about their structure. The .pyc files help with bootstrapping, while the .pyz folder holds the actual code. Meanwhile, .pyd and .dll files provide support, and honestly, if you're digging through those .pyc files, it’s usually a sign that something else has gone wrong. If it's too complex, stick to using the original code if you can get your hands on it!