Real Python Podcast Episode #117 Title Artwork

Episode 117: Measuring Python Code Quality, Simplicity, and Maintainability

The Real Python Podcast

Jul 15, 2022 1h 6m

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Christopher Bailey
Host

Reka Horvath
Guest

Ben Martineau
Guest

How maintainable is your Python code? Is it possible to hold the code for your functions in your head? When is it appropriate to use measurements in a code review? This week on the show, Reka Horvath and Ben Martineau from Sourcery are here to discuss their recent PyCon talk, “Actionable insights vs ranking: How to use and how NOT to use code quality metrics.”

Episode Sponsor:

Reka and Ben share their thoughts on how metrics can provide insights into your Python code. We discuss four measurements of code complexity and what factors into each.

We also talk about deciding whether to refactor or rewrite code. Ben and Reka share their experience in code review situations and the importance of shifting the conversation from subjective opinions toward objective measurements.

Course Spotlight: Writing Idiomatic Python

What are the programming idioms unique to Python? This course is a short overview for people coming from other languages and an introduction for beginners to the idiomatic practices within Python. You’ll cover truth values, looping, DRY principles, and the Zen of Python.

Topics:

00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:54 – Reka’s tutorials on Real Python
00:02:45 – PyCon US 2022 Talk
00:06:01 – Code reviews and metrics
00:09:42 – Trying to make things more objective
00:13:24 – Sponsor: CData Software
00:14:07 – Measuring WTFs/min and magical code
00:16:39 – Pythonic, idiomatic, and clean code
00:21:17 – Sourcery.ai and refactoring
00:24:04 – Four metrics to measure
00:24:56 – Function length
00:30:05 – Cyclomatic complexity
00:36:49 – Video Course Spotlight
00:38:21 – Cognitive complexity
00:44:38 – Working memory
00:51:49 – Suggestions on how to use the metrics
00:58:34 – Generating measurements
01:01:36 – What are you excited about in the world of Python?
01:03:30 – What do you want to learn next?
01:05:31 – Thanks and goodbye

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Level Up Your Python Skills With These Courses:

Python vs JavaScript for Python Developers

Writing Idiomatic Python

Testing Your Code With pytest

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