python
Python development guidelines and best practices. Use when working with Python code.
Best use case
python is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.
Python development guidelines and best practices. Use when working with Python code.
Teams using python should expect a more consistent output, faster repeated execution, less prompt rewriting.
When to use this skill
- You want a reusable workflow that can be run more than once with consistent structure.
When not to use this skill
- You only need a quick one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
- You cannot install or maintain the underlying files, dependencies, or repository context.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/python/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How python Compares
| Feature / Agent | python | Standard Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Not specified | Limited / Varies |
| Context Awareness | High | Baseline |
| Installation Complexity | Unknown | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this skill do?
Python development guidelines and best practices. Use when working with Python code.
Where can I find the source code?
You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.
Related Guides
SKILL.md Source
# Python Guidelines Standards and best practices for Python development. Follow these guidelines when writing or modifying Python code. ## Design Principles Apply DRY, KISS, and SOLID consistently. Prefer functional methods where relevant; use classes for stateful behavior. Use composition with Protocol classes for interfaces rather than inheritance. Each module should have a single responsibility. Use dependency injection for class dependencies. ## Code Style - **Naming**: Descriptive yet concise names for variables, methods, and classes - **Documentation**: Docstrings for all classes, functions, enums, enum values - **Type hints**: Use consistently; avoid `Any` unless necessary - **Imports**: Avoid barrel exports in `__init__.py`; prefer blank files ## Type Annotations - Use `dict`, `list` instead of `typing.Dict`, `typing.List` - Use `str | None` instead of `Optional[str]` - Include `from __future__ import annotations` at top of files with type hints - Prefer built-in types over typing module equivalents ## Architecture ### Dependency Injection - Always inject dependencies via constructors or methods when using classes - One service class per module (interface and class models allowed in addition) - Use Protocol classes to define interfaces for dependency injection and testing ### Module Organization - Each module focuses on one concern with clear boundaries - Extract reusable methods to avoid duplication - Design for reusability across contexts ### Environment Variables - Use an `environment.py` file with individual methods per variable (e.g., `api_key()` for `API_KEY`, `database_url()` for `DATABASE_URL`) - Co-locate all environment access in one place per package for easier mocking in tests ### Data Models - Use Pydantic v2 for schemas, validation, and data models - Leverage Pydantic's type validation, serialization, and configuration management - Use Pydantic models for API request/response schemas, configuration objects, and data transfer objects ## Testing ### Structure - Tests mirror `src/` directory structure - Test methods start with `test_` - Use test class suites: for `def foo()` create `class TestFoo` - Keep names concise, omit class suite name from method - Always check for appropriate unit tests when changing code ### Quality - Use AAA (Arrange, Act, Assert) pattern - Tests should be useful, readable, concise, maintainable - Avoid tests that create massive diffs or become burdensome ### Tools - Prefer `pytest` over `unittest` - Use `pytest-mock` for mocking - Use `conftest.py` for shared fixtures - Use `tests/__test_<package_name>__` for shared testing code ## Implementation When implementing Python code: - Ensure code passes type checking and tests before committing - Group related changes with tests in atomic commits - Check for existing workflow patterns (spec-first, TDD, etc.) and follow them ## References - For adhoc Python scripts in uv-managed projects, see `references/uv-scripts.md`. - For monorepo-specific patterns using uv and Hatch, see `references/uv-monorepo.md`.
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