Typed Python in 2024: Well adopted, yet usability challenges persist
A survey by JetBrains, Meta, and Microsoft found 88% of developers use Python type hints, valuing code clarity despite challenges like usability issues and slow type checkers. Recommendations for improvement were made.
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In a recent survey conducted by JetBrains, Meta, and Microsoft, the state of Python's type system was evaluated ten years after the introduction of PEP 484. The survey, which included over 1,000 developers, revealed that 88% of respondents frequently use type hints in their Python code, driven by improved IDE tooling and bug detection capabilities. However, challenges remain, such as usability issues, latency in tooling, and a lack of type annotations in popular libraries. Developers expressed concerns about the complexity of the type system, slow performance of type checkers like Mypy, and inconsistencies across different tools. Despite these challenges, many developers appreciate the benefits of type hints, including enhanced autocompletion and code clarity. The survey also highlighted that a significant number of developers use types in personal projects, indicating a broader acceptance of typing beyond collaborative environments. Recommendations for improvement include better standardization of tools, enhanced documentation, and improved performance of type checkers. The survey organizers plan to conduct a follow-up survey in 2025 to track changes in sentiment and adoption of typing tools.
- 88% of developers frequently use type hints in Python.
- Usability challenges and performance issues with type checkers persist.
- Developers value type hints for improved code clarity and bug prevention.
- Many developers use types in personal projects, not just in professional settings.
- Recommendations include better documentation and standardization of tools.
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