Seth Michael Larson, an expert on releasing CPython, gives a detailed rundown of the process. They discuss the upcoming Python 3.12 release, coordinated vulnerability disclosure, managing dependencies, the CPython release process, differences between Windows and Mac OS release processes, a TLS bypass vulnerability fix, and the idea of adding a Python best practices guide.
The Python 3.12 release process involves various stages of testing, building, and shipping Python across platforms and channels.
Coordinated vulnerability disclosure and the role of security developers in fixing and releasing vulnerabilities are crucial for maintaining the security of Python and its package ecosystem.
Insights into the Python release process include building installers, testing and signing artifacts, and the responsibilities of the release manager for coordinating releases and maintaining the integrity of the Python ecosystem.
Deep dives
The Python 3.12 release process
The podcast episode provides a detailed rundown of the process involved in releasing Python 3.12. The release is scheduled for October 2nd, 2023, and it goes through various stages including testing and building Python across different platforms. The host interviews Seth Michael Larson, who explains the steps involved in releasing CPython. The release process includes building Windows and MacOS installers, as well as testing all artifacts before signing and publishing them on Python.org. The episode discusses the importance of ensuring the integrity and security of Python packages and highlights the roles of the release manager and security developers in maintaining a secure release process.
The significance of coordinated vulnerability disclosure
The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of coordinated vulnerability disclosure in maintaining the security of Python and its package ecosystem. The security developer in residents role is discussed, highlighting the role in ensuring vulnerabilities reported to Python are fixed and released in a timely manner. The episode also mentions the advisory database, which categorizes CVEs affecting Python packages, and tools like Dependabot and PIP audit that help identify and address vulnerabilities in dependencies. The conversation touches on the challenges of managing dependencies and the need for lock files and vulnerability checking tools to ensure the security of Python projects.
Highlights of the Python release process
The podcast episode provides insights into the Python release process, covering key steps and considerations. It discusses the building of Windows and MacOS installers, as well as the testing and signing of artifacts before they are published on Python.org. The episode mentions the role of Azure pipelines in Windows builds and the challenges of Mac OS notarization. It highlights the importance of thorough testing and coordination among the release team. The release manager's responsibilities, such as reviewing and approving signing keys, are also mentioned. The episode concludes with the significance of timely and secure releases in maintaining the Python ecosystem's integrity and user trust.
Release manager workflow and freezing release branch
The podcast episode explores the workflow and responsibilities of a release manager in the Python community. The release manager decides when it's time to make a release and coordinates with experts for different platforms. The release branch is then frozen, preventing further changes. The release manager updates their fork of the repository with the latest changes from the release branch and runs the release tool script to build source distributions and documentation. After generating the source tarballs and making necessary commits, the release manager pushes the tag to their fork, but not to the main repository to avoid confusion during the release process.
Mitigating vulnerabilities and upcoming Python 3.12 release
The podcast also discusses mitigating vulnerabilities and the upcoming release of Python 3.12. While upgrading dependencies is the best way to address vulnerabilities, there are other ways to mitigate risks. Avoiding the use of vulnerable components or limiting their exposure can be effective strategies. The podcast highlights some features of Python 3.12, including improvements to F-strings, better support for generic types, and overall performance enhancements.
