includepackagedata

Includepackagedata is a packaging configuration option used in several software packaging systems to determine whether data files that accompany a software package should be included in the final distribution and installed package. Data files, such as templates, configuration files, localization resources, images, and other non-code assets, are often needed at runtime and thus may be shipped alongside code.

The option typically appears as a boolean flag or as part of a manifest that lists patterns or explicit file paths. When enabled, the packaging tool collects the specified data files and bundles them into the distribution artifacts (for example, source distributions and binary wheels). If disabled, only the executable or code files are included, and data files may be omitted or delivered separately.

In some ecosystems, includepackagedata is implemented through related concepts such as package_data, data_files, or manifest-based specifications. For example, in Python packaging with setuptools, the analogous mechanism is include_package_data, which works with a MANIFEST.in file or with package_data definitions to determine which non-code resources are included in a distribution.

Practitioners should consider storage and licensing implications, cross-platform path handling, and the need to distinguish data that must be shipped with the package from data that can be downloaded at runtime. The exact behavior and syntax vary by toolchain, so consult the documentation for the specific packaging system being used.