xdrlib3
A forked version of `xdrlib`, a module for encoding and decoding XDR (External Data Representation) data in Python.
Decision gist · record as of 2026-08-14
Yes, if you need XDR support in Python 3.13+. The package is a direct replacement for the deprecated standard library module with no dependencies and permissive licensing. However, be aware it is abandoned and receives no updates—use it only as a compatibility shim for existing XDR code, not as a foundation for new projects. No known vulnerabilities.AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page — verify before relying
Before you install
- Low friction install with no runtime dependencies.
- Maintenance is abandoned; last commit was 2023-05-07, though the package is marked Production/Stable and supports Python 3.7 through 3.11.
License · maintenance · safety
permissive license (permissive) — Permissive license treatment. The package combines Apache-licensed code from CPython's original xdrlib with MIT-licensed additions, allowing use in most commercial and open-source contexts.
last release 2023-05-06 (1196 days) · last repo commit 2023-05-07 · 5 stars
0 known vulnerabilities (OSV.dev, 2026-08-14) · 172,701 downloads/mo, #10,327 on PyPI
Alternatives
Verify before relying
pip install xdrlib3
import xdrlib3
packer = xdrlib3.Packer()
packer.pack_int(16)
packed_data = packer.get_buffer()
unpacker = xdrlib3.Unpacker(packed_data)
unpacked_data = unpacker.unpack_int()- Whether type hints cover all Packer and Unpacker methods or only a subset
- Compatibility status with Python 3.12 and later versions beyond what classifiers declare
- Whether this fork is actively maintained or if an alternative fork is now preferred
What it is and what it does
xdrlib3 is a fork of Python's deprecated xdrlib module, which handles encoding and decoding of XDR (External Data Representation) binary data. The standard library version is scheduled for removal in Python 3.13, making this fork necessary for projects that rely on XDR serialization and need to upgrade to newer Python versions. It provides Packer and Unpacker classes for converting Python objects to and from XDR binary format, with type hints added for better IDE support and code clarity.
The package has no runtime dependencies and installs cleanly on Python 3.7 through 3.11. However, the repository has been inactive since its release on 2023-05-06, meaning it is not receiving updates or bug fixes. It is suitable for projects that need a drop-in replacement for xdrlib but should not be relied upon for ongoing maintenance or support.
Use it for
- Migrate legacy code using xdrlib to Python 3.13+ without rewriting serialization logic
- Serialize structured data for network protocols or file formats that use XDR encoding
- Decode XDR-encoded data received from external systems or APIs
- Add type hints to existing xdrlib-based projects for better static analysis
Worth the install?
AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page. Verify before relying on it.
Yes, if you need XDR support in Python 3.13+.
The package is a direct replacement for the deprecated standard library module with no dependencies and permissive licensing. However, be aware it is abandoned and receives no updates—use it only as a compatibility shim for existing XDR code, not as a foundation for new projects. No known vulnerabilities.
Install
xdrlib3 on PyPI
Before you install
Low friction install with no runtime dependencies. Maintenance is abandoned; last commit was 2023-05-07, though the package is marked Production/Stable and supports Python 3.7 through 3.11.
License in practice
Permissive license treatment. The package combines Apache-licensed code from CPython's original xdrlib with MIT-licensed additions, allowing use in most commercial and open-source contexts.
Quickstart
pip install xdrlib3
import xdrlib3
packer = xdrlib3.Packer()
packer.pack_int(16)
packed_data = packer.get_buffer()
unpacker = xdrlib3.Unpacker(packed_data)
unpacked_data = unpacker.unpack_int()Verify before relying
- Whether type hints cover all Packer and Unpacker methods or only a subset
- Compatibility status with Python 3.12 and later versions beyond what classifiers declare
- Whether this fork is actively maintained or if an alternative fork is now preferred
Package facts
| License | permissive license permissive |
| Python support | Supports the current Python release >=3.7,<4.0 |
| Install friction | Low. Pure-Python wheel |
| Runtime dependencies | None |
| Maintenance | Abandoned 1,196 days since the last release |
| Last repo commit | |
| First released | |
| Downloads | 172,701 / month, #10,327 on PyPI 30-day window, as of 2026-08-14 |
| Known vulnerabilities | None known OSV.dev, checked 2026-08-14 |
| Classifiers | Development Status :: 5 - Production/StableIntended Audience :: DevelopersLicense :: OSI Approved :: Apache Software LicenseOperating System :: OS IndependentProgramming Language :: PythonProgramming Language :: Python :: 3Programming Language :: Python :: 3 :: OnlyProgramming Language :: Python :: 3.10Programming Language :: Python :: 3.11Programming Language :: Python :: 3.7Programming Language :: Python :: 3.8Programming Language :: Python :: 3.9Programming Language :: Python :: Implementation :: CPythonProgramming Language :: Python :: Implementation :: PyPyTopic :: Software Development :: Libraries :: Python ModulesTyping :: Typed |
Evidence: xdrlib3-0.1.1-py3-none-any.whl
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