The Real Python Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Effective Python and Python at Google Scale Apr 03, 2020

Show notes

Have you been using Python for a while, but want to be more effective with your code? This week we have Brett Slatkin on the show. We talk about the 2nd edition of his book Effective Python.

Brett talks about the revisions he made for the book, and updating it for the newest versions of Python 3. He answers questions about who is the intended developer for the book.

Brett also discusses working on Google App Engine, and what it’s like to develop and maintain Python applications at Google Scale. Brett mentions a brief anecdote about working with Guido van Rossum, while they both worked at Google. He also provides advice about maintaining a large and aging Python code base.

Topics:

00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:13 – Brett Slatkin - Programming background
00:02:00 – Python background and start at Google
00:03:22 – Working on Google infrastructure
00:05:36 – Is Python a good tool for infrastructure?
00:07:28 – PubSubHubbub
00:09:06 – Lobste.rs
00:10:03 – Starting to write Effective Python
00:11:12 – Who is the intended developer for the book?
00:12:45 – About the Effective series book structure
00:14:39 – What were the sections you were excited to rewrite?
00:18:41 – Moving away from Metaclasses in modern Python
00:20:43 – Python 3.8 in the book
00:21:03 – Using the walrus operator to build a switch/case statement
00:23:22 – Why did you feel Python made you a more productive developer?
00:28:02 – Working with Guido van Rossum
00:31:15 – What’s it like to work on the same code base for years?
00:33:35 – What is code rot?
00:35:10 – What would you put in a book about refactoring?
00:37:06 – What’s something you thought you knew about Python, but were wrong?
00:38:42 – What are you excited about in the world of Python?
00:40:24 – Do you listen to music when you code?
00:42:00 – End Credits

Show links:

What are you excited about in the world of Python?

Brett’s Pick:

PEP 554 – Multiple Interpreters in the Stdlib

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Learn Python Skills While Creating Games Mar 27, 2020

Show notes

Is game programming a good way to develop your Python programming skills? This week we have Jon Fincher on the show. Jon is an author on the Real Python team, and we talk about his recent articles on PyGame and Arcade.

Jon talks about his background working at Microsoft. We discuss if a game would make a good portfolio piece. We compare and contrasts the two popular Python game libraries of Arcade and PyGame. Jon also reveals ways to find assets for your own creations.

Want your question featured on the show? Here’s a new thing we’re trying out. Send us your question at realpython.com/podcast-question and we might feature it on a future episode of the show.

Topics:

00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:56 – Jon Fincher
00:05:17 – Start with Real Python
00:07:08 – Is game programming a good way to learn?
00:13:16 – Setting specific goals and limits
00:19:28 – Is a game a good portfolio piece?
00:21:07 – PyWeek 29
00:22:58 – Al Sweigart books
00:25:00 – Comparing PyGame and Arcade
00:37:34 – Finding game art and other assets
00:41:04 – Licensing game assets
00:44:29 – Packaging your game and sharing
00:47:34 – What are you excited about in the world of Python
00:50:20 – Final Thoughts
00:54:13 – Conclusion

Show links:

What are you excited about in the world of Python?

Jon’s pick:

Chris’s pick:

Real Python Podcast: Submit a Question

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Python Decorators and Writing for Real Python Mar 20, 2020

Show notes

Do you want to learn more about Python decorators? Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes to create a Real Python article? In this first episode, We have Geir Arne Hjelle from the Real Python team on the show.

You’ll learn about Geir Arne’s background as a Pythonista and PyCon speaker, the tutorials he’s written for the site, how Python decorators can help you write better code, and what Real Python’s tutorial publishing process looks like behind the scenes.

Note: This episode was recorded earlier. We discuss PyCon US 2020 and Geir Arne’s planned tutorial. At the time this episode was released PyCon US 2020 was currently looking at re-scheduling or a potential cancelation. Updates will be provided in upcoming episodes.

Topics: