Discover a new tool, Zizmor, that enhances security in GitHub Action workflows. Python has risen to be the top programming language on GitHub, fueled by a global surge of developers which AI is helping to cultivate. Dive into the exciting updates in Python 3.13 and get the scoop on the upcoming PyCon US 2025. The hosts share insights on the growing trend of front-end developers adopting Python to advance their careers, along with helpful tips for enhancing writing skills and navigating digital tools.
The new Zizmor tool enhances GitHub Action workflow security by identifying potential vulnerabilities in YAML files for developers.
Python's rise as the leading programming language on GitHub reflects a growing global community and increased interest in open-source projects.
Deep dives
GitHub Action Security with Zizmor
A new tool named Zizmor is introduced for addressing security issues within GitHub Action setups. The tool evaluates Action workflows to identify potential vulnerabilities, particularly in repositories that may not have undergone recent audits. Created by Ned Batchelder, Zizmor is capable of scanning YAML workflow files to signal issues like abandoned projects or misconfigurations. Although currently in beta, it provides essential insights for developers who commonly copy existing workflows without fully understanding their security implications.
Python Dominance in Open Source
Recent reports highlight Python's ascendance as the most utilized programming language on GitHub, driven by a surge in global developers. This trend reflects a growing interest in open-source contributions, particularly from new developers in regions such as Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The increased engagement in AI projects suggests that Python's appeal extends beyond traditional programming, attracting individuals from various STEM backgrounds. The report also emphasizes that the influx of contributors has not negatively impacted the quality of open-source contributions, showcasing the thriving community around Python.
Enhancements in Python 3.13
Significant updates in Python 3.13 include new features that improve the user experience of the Python debugger, PDB. Enhancements such as multi-line editing and code completion streamline the debugging process, making it more efficient for Python developers. Furthermore, performance optimizations in modules like pathlib and shutil enhance their usability in file system operations. The built-in virtual environment tool now incorporates a feature that automatically adds a .gitignore file, an improvement for managing development setups.
Upcoming PyCon US 2025
The PyCon US 2025 conference is set to take place in Pittsburgh, providing an opportunity for developers to engage in tutorials and main conference sessions. With tutorials scheduled for May 14 and 15, followed by the main conference from May 16 to 18, attendees can expect a vibrant community atmosphere. The conference emphasizes safety by strongly encouraging masks without making them mandatory. Additionally, a call for proposals is open, enabling participants to contribute to the shared learning experience and showcase their expertise.
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This suggests AI isn’t just helping more people learn to write code or build software faster—it’s also attracting and helping more people become developers. First-time open source contributors continue to show wide-scale interest in AI projects. But we aren’t seeing signs that AI has hurt open source with low-quality contributions.
Python is now the most used language on GitHub as global open source activity continues to extend beyond traditional software development.
The rise in Python usage correlates with large communities of people joining the open source community from across the STEM world rather than the traditional community of software developers.
There’s a continued increase in first-time contributors to open source projects. 1.4 million new developers globally joined open source with a majority contributing to commercially backed and generative AI projects.
Notably, we did not see a rise in rejected pull requests. This could indicate that quality remains high despite the influx of new contributors.