Python Coding

Python Coding Skill

This skill provides comprehensive guidance for Python development, including best practices, coding patterns, testing strategies, and code quality standards.

When to Use This Skill

Activate this skill when:

• Writing new Python code or modules
• Refactoring existing Python code
• Setting up Python project structure
• Writing or improving unit tests
• Debugging Python applications
• Reviewing code for best practices

Key Principles

PEP 8 Compliance

Follow Python's official style guide for consistent, readable code:

• Use 4 spaces for indentation
• Limit lines to 88 characters (Black formatter default)
• Use snake_case for functions and variables
• Use PascalCase for class names
• Add blank lines to separate logical sections

Type Hints

Use type annotations for better code clarity and IDE support:

def process_data(items: list[str], limit: int = 10) -> dict[str, int]:
    ...

Testing Practices

• Write tests alongside code using pytest
• Aim for high test coverage on critical paths
• Use fixtures for reusable test setup
• Mock external dependencies appropriately

Quick Reference

Common Patterns

Essential Commands

# Validate Python syntax
python -m py_compile your_file.py

# Run tests
pytest test_file.py -v

# Type checking
mypy your_module/

# Linting
ruff check your_module/

Resources

See references/best-practices.md for detailed guidelines and examples/code-patterns.py for code samples.