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 What is Rust? Safe, fast, and easy software development Unlike most programming languages, Rust doesn't make you choose between speed, safety, and ease of use. Find out how Rust delivers better code with fewer compromises, and a few downsides to consider before learning Rust. By Serdar Yegulalp Nov 20, 2024 11 mins Rust Programming Languages Software Development how-to Kotlin for Java developers: Classes and coroutines Kotlin was designed to bring more flexibility and flow to programming in the JVM. Here's an in-depth look at how Kotlin makes working with classes and objects easier and introduces coroutines to modernize concurrency. By Matthew Tyson Nov 20, 2024 9 mins Java Kotlin Programming Languages analysis Azure AI Foundry tools for changes in AI applications Microsoft’s launch of Azure AI Foundry at Ignite 2024 signals a welcome shift from chatbots to agents and to using AI for business process automation. By Simon Bisson Nov 20, 2024 7 mins Microsoft Azure Generative AI Development Tools news Microsoft unveils imaging APIs for Windows Copilot Runtime Generative AI-backed APIs will allow developers to build image super resolution, image segmentation, object erase, and OCR capabilities into Windows applications. By Paul Krill Nov 19, 2024 2 mins Generative AI APIs Development Libraries and Frameworks Resources Videos