
Python Bytes
Python Bytes is a weekly podcast hosted by Michael Kennedy and Brian Okken. The show is a short discussion on the headlines and noteworthy news in the Python, developer, and data science space.
Latest episodes

17 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 29min
#434 Most of OpenAI’s tech stack runs on Python
Discover how the PyPI test suite was made 81% faster through clever strategies like parallel execution and database isolation. Dive into the world of OpenAI's tech stack, showcasing Python's pivotal role. Learn about optimizing import performance in Python, and check out quick insights from PyCon talks. The conversation wraps up with a light-hearted take on AI's impact on programming, making for an engaging listen!

May 26, 2025 • 29min
#433 Dev in the Arena
Discover the art of mastering Git with practical 'flight rules' that guide programmers through mishaps. Dive into the intriguing world of t-strings and their innovative applications alongside f-strings. Explore Pyrefly, a fast type checker revolutionizing Python development, and check out NeoHTOP for system monitoring. The hosts share their journey through legacy code and reflect on AI-driven tools that automate the coding process. With humor and insight, this discussion inspires programmers to embrace both challenges and triumphs in their craft.

22 snips
May 19, 2025 • 26min
#432 How To Fix Your Computer
Discover the advantages of using the UV tool to streamline pre-commit installations, making life easier for developers. Learn about PEP 773, an accepted Python installation manager for Windows that simplifies setup. Reflect on the bittersweet closure of Textualize, a company that developed popular libraries. Get insights into what makes exceptional programmers, including the importance of continuous learning and tool proficiency. Enjoy some humorous tech support stories and shared experiences that highlight the common challenges faced by computer users.

22 snips
May 5, 2025 • 29min
#431 Nerd Gas
Discover a new tool that helps you track Python release cycles effortlessly right from your terminal. Learn about the exciting launch of FastAPI Cloud, designed to streamline deployment without locking users into a vendor. Dive into the innovative T-strings feature in Python 3.14, which enhances string templating and security. Enjoy some lighthearted humor as the hosts reflect on coding challenges, making it a fun and engaging listen for all tech enthusiasts.

31 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 29min
#430 Or you go to jail
Dive into the latest enhancements from pip 25.1, featuring dependency groups that streamline installs and experimental lock files. Discover AIO HTTP’s compatibility upgrades for high-concurrency web servers. Learn about the savvy choice of a domain name for projects, with Porkbun as a top pick. Explore the integration of PyLock.toml, new methods for handling datetime, and the intriguing world of file transfers. Lastly, enjoy a light-hearted take on 'vibe coding' in AI development!

23 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 27min
#429 Nitpicking Python
Topics covered in this episode:
Huly
CVE Foundation formed to take over CVE program from MITRE
drawdb
14 Advanced Python Features
Extras
Joke
Watch on YouTube
About the show
Sponsored by Posit Workbench: pythonbytes.fm/workbench
Connect with the hosts
Michael: @mkennedy@fosstodon.org / @mkennedy.codes (bsky)
Brian: @brianokken@fosstodon.org / @brianokken.bsky.social
Show: @pythonbytes@fosstodon.org / @pythonbytes.fm (bsky)
Join us on YouTube at pythonbytes.fm/live to be part of the audience. Usually Monday at 10am PT. Older video versions available there too.
Finally, if you want an artisanal, hand-crafted digest of every week of the show notes in email form? Add your name and email to our friends of the show list, we'll never share it.
Michael #1: Huly
All-in-One Project Management Platform (alternative to Linear, Jira, Slack, Notion, Motion)
If you're primarily interested in self-hosting Huly without the intention to modify or contribute to its development, please use huly-selfhost.
Manage your tasks efficiently with Huly's bidirectional GitHub synchronization. Use Huly as an advanced front-end for GitHub Issues and GitHub Projects.
Connect every element of your workflow to build a dynamic knowledge base.
Everything you need for productive team work: Team Planner • Project Management • Virtual Office • Chat • Documents • Inbox
Self hosting as a service: elest.io
Brian #2: CVE Foundation formed to take over CVE program from MITRE
Back story: CVE, global source of cybersecurity info, was hours from being cut by DHS
The 25-year-old CVE program, an essential part of global cybersecurity, is cited in nearly any discussion or response to a computer security issue.
CVE was at real risk of closure after its contract was set to expire on April 16.
The nonprofit MITRE runs CVE on a contract with the DHS.
A letter last Tuesday sent Tuesday by Yosry Barsoum, vice president of MITRE, gave notice of the potential halt to operations.
Another possible victim of the current administration.
CVE Foundation Launched to Secure the Future of the CVE Program
CVE Board members have spent the past year developing a strategy to transition CVE to a dedicated, non-profit foundation. The new CVE Foundation will focus solely on continuing the mission of delivering high-quality vulnerability identification and maintaining the integrity and availability of CVE data for defenders worldwide.
Over the coming days, the Foundation will release more information about its structure, transition planning, and opportunities for involvement from the broader community.
Michael #3: drawdb
Free and open source, simple, and intuitive database design editor, data-modeler, and SQL generator.
Great drag-drop relationship manager
Define your DB visually, export as SQL create scripts
Or import existing SQL to kickstart the diagramming.
Brian #4: 14 Advanced Python Features
Edward Li
Picking some favorites
1. Typing Overloads
2. Keyword-only and Positional-only Arguments
9. Python Nitpicks
For-else statements
Walrus operator
Short Circuit Evaluation
Operator Chaining
Extras
Michael:
Thunderbird send / other firefox things.
Joke: Python Tariffs
Thanks wagenrace
Thanks Campfire Tales

26 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 31min
#428 How old is your Python?
This podcast dives into the art of crafting perfect Git commit messages, laying out essential rules for clarity and impact. The hosts explore the Caddy web server, spotlighting its automatic TLS certification and simplicity compared to NGINX. They also discuss new Python Enhancement Proposals that promise improvements in package measurability and string formatting. Finally, a humorous tangent touches on how AI tools might reshape coding practices. Tune in for coding insights and a few laughs along the way!

37 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 37min
#427 Rise of the Python Lord
Explore the power of Git Town, a tool that enhances Git workflows and helps streamline code contributions. Discover PEP 751, a groundbreaking file format for managing Python dependencies with improved reproducibility. Delve into automated tools that boost team collaboration and package management. Learn about version control techniques, including the 'blame' feature and squashing commits for cleaner project history. Finally, uncover how UV and PEP 723 simplify deploying Python scripts, plus amusing anecdotes from the Python community.

35 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 29min
#426 Committing to Formatted Markdown
Discover the magic of mdformat, an opinionated Markdown auto-formatter that enforces stylish consistency. Learn how to master Markdown lists and enhance your coding efficiency with tools like PipX and pre-commit hooks. Explore the latest Python Enhancement Proposals, including PEP 578 and 781, and dive into the realm of privacy-centered search engines. Enjoy a lighthearted discussion on Python dependency management, sprinkled with humorous anecdotes that make coding quirks relatable!

14 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 38min
#425 If You Were a Klingon Programmer
Dive into the evolving landscape of Python tooling as the discussion reveals the advantages of using uv over traditional methods. Unpack the complexities of Python package management and the newly launched Python Developer Tooling Handbook. Discover the latest in linting tools and the innovative Blacken Docs for documentation enhancement. The conversation also explores reinventing notebooks for better functionality in Python programming. Plus, indulge in some humorous takes on Klingon programmers that will keep you chuckling!