Python News: Django 2.0, Flask Async, and Python 3.7

Python Bytes Episode 55 Highlights

In this episode, Michael Kennedy and Brian Aukin cover the latest developments in the Python ecosystem, ranging from major framework releases to new productivity tools.

Major Framework Releases

• Django 2.0: A significant release that brings modern features such as simplified, readable URL routing that removes the need for complex regular expressions. Most notably, Django 2.0 is now Python 3-only, marking a pivotal shift in legacy support and code maintenance.
• Flask & Quart: For developers looking to leverage the power of asynchronous programming, Quart provides an asyncio-friendly implementation of the Flask API. It allows for significant performance gains when paired with libraries like uvloop and asyncpg.

Testing and Productivity Tools

• Big List of Rules: A new resource that translates cryptic linter error codes (like E112 or McCabe complexity warnings) into clear, actionable descriptions to improve code quality.
• Request Static Mock: Introduced by Anthony Shaw, this library allows developers to mock external requests using a clean, file-based directory structure without the need for complex monkey patching.

Looking Ahead: Python 3.7

• Data Classes (PEP 557): A highly anticipated feature for Python 3.7 that simplifies the creation of classes intended to store data. By using a simple decorator, developers can eliminate boilerplate code in the __init__ method.

"The Django team has dropped support for Python 2. It's the first version of Django that says, you know, Python 2, that's thanks, but that's not for us."

Miscellaneous

• The hosts also discussed the iconic Pythonic Staff of Enlightenment, now available for purchase, and continued to highlight DigitalOcean as a reliable hosting solution for Python applications.