How can you can speed up Python? Have you thought of using a JIT (Just-In-Time Compiler)? This week on the show, we have Real Python author and previous guest Anthony Shaw to talk about his project Pyjion, a drop-in JIT compiler for CPython 3.10.

Anthony has been working on Pyjion over the past year and recently released version 1.0. He talks about how he took over the project from Brett Cannon and Dino Viehland. He covers the background on compilers and assembly that he needed to take on this project.

We discuss where a tool like this can speed up your Python code, and we consider alternative solutions. We also talk about his desire to make the project as deeply compatible with Python code as possible.

Anthony talks about how his dive into writing the CPython Internals book led him into the project. We talk about what type of developer would benefit from exploring the book.

We also cover his recent Real Python article, titled “Advanced Visual Studio Code for Python Developers.” It’s an excellent resource that VS Code users should bookmark to revisit as they grow with the tool.

Spotlight: CPython Internals Book: Your Guided Tour Through the Python 3 Interpreter

Unlock the inner workings of the Python language, compile the Python interpreter from source code, and participate in the development of CPython.

Topics:

00:00:00 – Introduction
00:02:15 – Cloud Developer Advocate at Microsoft
00:04:57 – Pyjion, a drop-in JIT compiler for CPython
00:07:52 – PyCon 2020 & 2021 talks and wanting to take on the project
00:12:46 – How Pyjion uses .NET 6
00:17:32 – Trying out Pyjion functionality online
00:21:43 – Sponsor: Honeybadger
00:22:28 – Portability of projects using Pyjion
00:29:55 – Focus on compatibility with Python code
00:33:07 – Choosing to make it based on Python 3.10
00:37:45 – What would be prerequisites to work on the project?
00:40:40 – Other ways to help with project
00:44:34 – CPython Internals: Who is the book for?
00:49:46 – What resources do you need to work through the book?
00:52:04 – Spotlight: CPython Internals Book
00:53:21 – Do you use an IDE or code editor?
00:56:12 – Why did you decide to write the book?
00:57:12 – Advanced Visual Studio Code for Python Developers
01:03:20 – What are you excited about in the world of Python?
01:04:03 – What do you want to learn next?
01:05:33 – Thanks and goodbye

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