Software Engineering Daily

The Big Changes in Python 3.13 with Łukasz Langa

Oct 29, 2024

Łukasz Langa, CPython Developer in Residence at the Python Software Foundation, discusses the groundbreaking features of Python 3.13. Key changes include a new interactive interpreter, experimental free-threaded mode, and a Just-In-Time compiler. He explores the balance between Python's flexibility and the performance challenges posed by languages like Rust. The conversation also touches on corporate contributions, managing backward compatibility, and how Python seamlessly integrates features from other languages to evolve and improve user experience.

46:36

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Episode guests

Łukasz Langa

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Quick takeaways

Python 3.13 introduces essential updates like a new interactive interpreter and JIT compiler to enhance performance and usability.

The transition to paid developer roles for Python maintenance fosters a collaborative ecosystem, balancing volunteer efforts and corporate contributions.

Deep dives

Introduction of Python 3.13 Features

The release of Python 3.13 introduces significant changes, including a new interactive interpreter, experimental free-threading support, and a just-in-time (JIT) compiler. These updates aim to reshape the language’s performance and usability. Notable improvements also include changes to the Python type system, the removal of certain modules, and enhancements to documentation strings. Together, these modifications enhance the overall development experience and expand the potential applications of Python.

Intro

3min

Corporate Contributions and Their Impact on Python Development

2min

The Evolution and Future of Python

21min

Managing Backwards Compatibility in Python 3.13

4min

Interpreted vs Compiled Languages: Version Control Dynamics

2min

Enhancements in Python 3.13

11min

Python's Evolution through Language Integration

5min

Python 3.13 was just released and brings fundamental changes to the language including a new interactive interpreter, experimental support for running in a free-threaded mode, and a Just-In-Time compiler, or JIT. There are also updates to the Python type system, module removals, and docstring improvements among many other changes.

Łukasz Langa is the CPython Developer in Residence at the Python Software Foundation. He joins the show with Sean Falconer to talk about maintaining Python, the evolution of the language, Python optimization, the most impactful changes in Python 3.13, and more.

Sean’s been an academic, startup founder, and Googler. He has published works covering a wide range of topics from information visualization to quantum computing. Currently, Sean is Head of Marketing and Developer Relations at Skyflow and host of the podcast Partially Redacted, a podcast about privacy and security engineering. You can connect with Sean on Twitter @seanfalconer.