A .pyz file is a Python Zip Application, which is an archive containing Python code that can be executed directly. It's essentially a self-contained Python application packaged into a single file. This format is particularly useful for distributing Python applications, as it simplifies deployment and reduces the number of files that need to be managed. The .pyz file is a standard ZIP archive that includes a __main__.py file at the top level. When the .pyz file is executed, the Python interpreter treats it as a directory and executes the __main__.py file. This allows the application to run without needing to be extracted first. The archive can also contain other Python modules, data files, and dependencies required by the application. The .pyz format is supported by the Python interpreter directly, making it a convenient way to package and distribute Python applications for various platforms. It's often used for command-line tools, small applications, and scripts that need to be easily deployed and run on different systems without complex installation procedures.