Python tops the charts in the Tiobe programming language index. Also, who broke setuptools, and what’s the best way to install Python? It’s all here, in the mid-month Python report. Credit: Sergii Gnatiuk/Shutterstock This (half-)month in Python: C—er, see—how Cython makes for faster Python; learn four timely tips for writing cutting-edge Python code; get a quick guide to installing Python without hassle, tears, or cussing at your keyboard. And did Python just beat its own record in the Tiobe programming language index? Yes, yes it did. Top picks for Python readers on InfoWorld Python scores its highest rating in Tiobe indexPython holds the #1 spot in the Tiobe index with an 18.04% popularity rating and an 8% lead on the nearest competitor. 4 keys to writing modern Python Unlock better Py code with type hints, venvs, modern syntax, and testing tools that are worth their salt. How to install Python the smart way With this handy guide, you won’t need a socket wrench set, a boxcutter, or even an aspirin! Want Python at the speed of C? Try Cython! Here’s why, when you feel the need, the need for speed, it’s best to reach for Cython. More good reads and Python updates elsewhere Are function calls still slow in CPython?It’s far less terrible than it used to be—and it’s getting even better with Python 3.14. All right, who broke setuptools?Hint: It’s the same people who fixed it after (prematurely?) deprecating the test command. Should we make the Python debugger better?It’s hard to change pdb without breaking things, but what’s a little backwards incompatibility among Python performance-loving friends? WAT: Deep inspection of Python objectsDitch dir()—get the deep deets on objects at the Python REPL. Related content feature 14 great preprocessors for developers who love to code Sometimes it seems like the rules of programming are designed to make coding a chore. Here are 14 ways preprocessors can help make software development fun again. By Peter Wayner Nov 18, 2024 10 mins Development Tools Software Development feature Designing the APIs that accidentally power businesses Well-designed APIs, even those often-neglected internal APIs, make developers more productive and businesses more agile. By Jean Yang Nov 18, 2024 6 mins APIs Software Development news Spin 3.0 supports polyglot development using Wasm components Fermyon’s open source framework for building server-side WebAssembly apps allows developers to compose apps from components created with different languages. By Paul Krill Nov 18, 2024 2 mins Microservices Serverless Computing Development Libraries and Frameworks news Go language evolving for future hardware, AI workloads The Go team is working to adapt Go to large multicore systems, the latest hardware instructions, and the needs of developers of large-scale AI systems. By Paul Krill Nov 15, 2024 3 mins Google Go Generative AI Programming Languages Resources Videos