Why isn’t PyInstaller used more widely for Python projects?

I personally focus on applications that I can easily deploy via Git with tools like uv or poetry. I think many Python developers feel similarly. Plus, Python packaging is improving rapidly, so I’d rather see developers work on wheels and sdist packages. PyInstaller should really be considered as a deployment tool rather than a primary method.

There are definitely better options out there that compile directly to machine code, offering more benefits. Plus, many developers prefer using package managers which are simpler than dealing with binaries like .exe files.

One big reason is that a lot of malware uses PyInstaller, which makes antivirus software, especially Windows Defender, really aggressive around it. While it works fine on your machine, downloads from untrusted sources can get flagged or even quarantined automatically. If you want your .exe to be trusted, you’d have to sign it with a certified authority, which costs money and requires renewals. That's a hassle that pushes a lot of users away from using it.

Typically, for desktop apps, it’s more common to use languages like C, Rust, or C# for better performance. A lot of backend applications deploy with Docker, so PyInstaller isn’t always the go-to option.

Many Python applications aren't meant to be distributed like traditional software you’d find online. They often run on servers or are part of core system functions where you wouldn't need to freeze the application into an executable format.

Honestly, I can’t think of many scenarios where I’d need it. Do you have any examples of projects where using PyInstaller makes sense?