# error: Unknown distribution option: 'entry_points'

- **ID:** `python/setup-py-unknown-distutils-command`
- **Domain:** python
- **Category:** config_error
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 80%

## Root Cause

Older setuptools versions do not support 'entry_points' in setup.py; should use 'entry_points' correctly.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| 3.8 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Upgrade setuptools and use correct syntax** (95% success)
   ```
   pip install --upgrade setuptools
# In setup.py:
entry_points={
    'console_scripts': ['mycommand=mymodule:main']
}
   ```
2. **Use setup.cfg for entry points** (90% success)
   ```
   # setup.cfg
[options.entry_points]
console_scripts =
    mycommand = mymodule:main
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Renaming parameter to 'console_scripts'** — The correct parameter is 'entry_points' with dict format; renaming breaks functionality. (70% fail)
- **Removing entry_points entirely** — Removes console scripts functionality, which may be needed. (60% fail)