# error: setup.py must be in the same directory as the setup.cfg

- **ID:** `python/setuptools-setup-py-not-found`
- **Domain:** python
- **Category:** config_error
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 80%

## Root Cause

Setuptools expects setup.py to exist alongside setup.cfg when using setup.cfg for configuration.

## Version Compatibility

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

## Workarounds

1. **Create a minimal setup.py in the same directory** (95% success)
   ```
   touch setup.py
# Content:
from setuptools import setup
setup()
   ```
2. **Move setup.cfg to the same directory as setup.py** (90% success)
   ```
   mv /path/to/setup.cfg .
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Removing setup.cfg** — Loses all configuration; may break build. (60% fail)
- **Creating empty setup.py in parent directory** — Must be in same directory; parent not checked. (80% fail)