Differentiating the Versions of Python & Unlocking IPython’s Magic

2023-07-28

What are all the different versions of Python? You may have heard of Cython, Brython, PyPy, or others and wondered where they fit into the Python landscape. This week on the show, Christopher Trudeau is here, bringing another batch of PyCoder’s Weekly articles and projects. Christopher shares an article from the Bite Code blog about all the different forms that Python can take. CPython is the reference implementation of the language, which is what we usually discuss. He lists several alternative projects and the use cases. We also d...

Christopher shares an article from the Bite Code blog about all the different forms that Python can take. CPython is the reference implementation of the language, which is what we usually discuss. He lists several alternative projects and the use cases.

We also discuss a recent Real Python tutorial about IPython. IPython is an interactive Python shell from the team that developed Jupyter Notebooks. It includes a set of IDE-like features and unique magic commands. The tutorial digs into using the tool to learn more about Python and explore your code.

We cover several other articles and projects from the Python community, including several news updates, the state of WASI support for CPython, how Python uses garbage collection, a discussion about the current AI echo chamber, an async Python web microframework, a stand-alone CSV editor, and a project for identifying unused dependencies to avoid a bloated virtual environment.

This week’s episode is brought to you by Scout APM.

Course Spotlight: Mazes in Python Part 1: Building and Visualizing

In this two-part video course project, you’ll build a maze solver in Python using graph algorithms from the NetworkX library. Along the way, you’ll design a binary file format for the maze, represent it in an object-oriented way, and visualize the solution using scalable vector graphics (SVG).

Topics:

00:00:00 – Introduction
00:02:19 – Python 3.12.0 Beta 4 Released
00:02:53 – Django in Action - Christopher’s Book
00:04:28 – State of WASI Support for CPython: June 2023
00:08:32 – What’s the Deal With CPython, PyPy, MicroPython, Jython…?
00:12:10 – Sponsor: Scout APM
00:12:57 – Unlock IPython’s Magical Toolbox for Your Coding Journey
00:18:33 – How Python Uses Garbage Collection
00:21:31 – Video Course Spotlight
00:23:04 – Are People in Tech Inside an AI Echo Chamber?
00:39:39 – quart: An Async Python Web Microframework
00:41:33 – Modern CSV: CSV Editor/Viewer
00:43:09 – creosote: Identify Unused Dependencies
00:45:09 – Thanks and Goodbye

News:

Python 3.12.0 Beta 4 Released
Django in Action - Christopher’s Book - Manning Early Access Program

Show Links:

State of WASI Support for CPython: June 2023 – This post from Brett Cannon covers the current state of WebAssembly targets in Python.
What’s the Deal With CPython, PyPy, MicroPython, Jython…? – This comprehensive article introduces you to all the different ways that you can Python. CPython isn’t the only choice. Learn what else is out there and why you might choose an alternative.
Unlock IPython’s Magical Toolbox for Your Coding Journey – IPython is a powerful tool that can prove useful on your journey to mastering Python. Its friendly interface will enable you to comfortably take control of your learning. In this tutorial, you’ll cover the basic concepts of using IPython and learn how its features can make coding efficient.
How Python Uses Garbage Collection – This article outlines how Python stores variables as references and how that relates to memory management

Discussion:

Are People in Tech Inside an AI Echo Chamber?
Inside the AI Factory: the humans that make tech seem human - The Verge
Is ChatGPT getting worse over time? Study claims yes, but others aren’t sure | Ars Technica
How Is ChatGPT’s Behavior Changing over Time?

Projects: