Why is python setup.py saying invalid command 'bdist_wheel' on Travis CI?

Dealing with the missing 'bdist_wheel' command

Keeping your dependencies updated

Ensure your build uses the most recent tools—conduct regular checks for updates:

pip list --outdated   # Is your toolset feeling old yet?
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Making sure all prerequisites are installed

Sometimes, the problem lies with missing system prerequisites. Worry not:

sudo apt-get install gcc libpq-dev python-dev python-pip 
# Because everyone needs a little help sometimes!
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And for Python 3.x, update the commands accordingly:

sudo apt-get install python3-dev python3-pip python3-venv python3-wheel
# Python 3.x rides on a different track!
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Addressing pesky permission issues

Encountering permission problems? Use the --user flag to install packages for the current user:

pip install --user wheel  # Even a wheel needs a user!
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Handling multiple Python versions

Multiple Python versions? Specify the pip version:

pip2.7 install wheel  # Play it safe with Python 2.7's pip!
pip3 install wheel  # Going modern with Python 3.x!
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Common issues and their workarounds

Regularly update your tools on Travis CI

Sometimes, Travis CI stumbles if it's working with outdated tools. Make your .travis.yml use the latest versions:

before_install:
  - pip install --upgrade pip setuptools wheel
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Old pip versions might be the culprit in some Travis images:

pip install --upgrade pip  # Newer is often better!
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Ensure proper Travis CI specifications and environment setup

Some cloud platforms like AWS offer updated packages and support with their Ubuntu 18.04 images. For efficient results, make sure Travis targets the correct Python version and you're using the right Python environment.

python -m pip install --upgrade --user pip setuptools wheel virtualenv   
# Because a healthy environment keeps bugs away!
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