Use when you have a written implementation plan to execute in a separate session with review checkpoints
npx skills add ludo-technologies/python-best-practices --skill "tooling"
Install specific skill from multi-skill repository
# Description
Python development tooling configuration and best practices
# SKILL.md
name: tooling
description: Python development tooling configuration and best practices
globs:
- "*/.py"
- "pyproject.toml"
- "mypy.ini"
- "ruff.toml"
Python Tooling
A comprehensive guide to Python development tools. Configuration best practices for analysis, linters, type checkers, formatters, test frameworks, and package managers.
Why These Tools Matter
To write high-quality Python code, we recommend adopting these tools:
- pyscn - Detect dead code, duplicates, and circular dependencies to prevent technical debt
- ruff - Catch bugs and style violations early with fast static analysis
- mypy - Find errors before runtime with type checking, also improves IDE completion
- pytest - Build confidence in changes with reliable tests
- uv - Improve developer experience with fast dependency management
Integrating these into CI/CD reduces code review burden and maintains consistent quality.
Categories
Analysis [HIGH]
Structural code analysis for quality assessment.
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| analysis-pyscn | Dead code, clones, dependencies, complexity with pyscn |
Linting [CRITICAL]
Static code analysis with ruff for consistent, high-quality code.
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| lint-ruff | Fast, comprehensive linting with ruff |
Type Checking [HIGH]
Static type checking with mypy for type safety and better IDE support.
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| type-mypy | Static type checking with mypy |
Formatting [HIGH]
Consistent code formatting with ruff format and import sorting.
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| fmt-ruff | Code formatting and import sorting with ruff |
Testing [HIGH]
Test framework configuration with pytest for reliable testing.
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| test-pytest | Testing with pytest, fixtures, and coverage |
Package Management [MEDIUM]
Modern Python packaging with uv and pyproject.toml.
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| pkg-uv | Fast package management with uv |
| pkg-pyproject | Project configuration with pyproject.toml |
Quick Reference
Minimal pyproject.toml
[project]
name = "myproject"
version = "0.1.0"
requires-python = ">=3.11"
dependencies = []
[project.optional-dependencies]
dev = ["ruff", "mypy", "pytest", "pytest-cov", "pyscn"]
[tool.ruff]
target-version = "py311"
line-length = 88
[tool.ruff.lint]
select = ["E", "F", "W", "I", "UP", "B", "SIM", "PTH"]
[tool.mypy]
python_version = "3.11"
strict = true
[tool.pytest.ini_options]
testpaths = ["tests"]
addopts = ["-v", "--tb=short"]
[tool.pyscn]
max_complexity = 15
Common Commands
# Analysis
pyscn analyze . # Full quality analysis
pyscn check . # CI quality gate
# Linting
ruff check . # Check for issues
ruff check . --fix # Auto-fix issues
# Formatting
ruff format . # Format code
# Type checking
mypy . # Type check
# Testing
pytest # Run tests
pytest --cov=src # With coverage
# Package management (uv)
uv pip install -e ".[dev]" # Install with dev deps
uv pip compile pyproject.toml -o requirements.lock
# Supported AI Coding Agents
This skill is compatible with the SKILL.md standard and works with all major AI coding agents:
Learn more about the SKILL.md standard and how to use these skills with your preferred AI coding agent.