| name | dignified-python |
| description | Python coding standards with automatic version detection. Use when writing, reviewing, or refactoring Python to ensure adherence to LBYL exception handling patterns, modern type syntax (list[str], str | None), pathlib operations, ABC-based interfaces, absolute imports, and explicit error boundaries at CLI level. Also provides production-tested code smell patterns from Dagster Labs for API design, parameter complexity, and code organization. Essential for maintaining erk's dignified Python standards. |
Dignified Python Coding Standards
Core Knowledge (ALWAYS Loaded)
@dignified-python-core.md
Version Detection
Identify the project's minimum Python version by checking (in order):
pyproject.toml- Look forrequires-pythonfield (e.g.,requires-python = ">=3.12")setup.pyorsetup.cfg- Look forpython_requires.python-versionfile - Contains version like3.12or3.12.0- Default to Python 3.12 if no version specifier found
Once identified, load the appropriate version-specific file:
- Python 3.10: Load
versions/python-3.10.md - Python 3.11: Load
versions/python-3.11.md - Python 3.12: Load
versions/python-3.12.md - Python 3.13: Load
versions/python-3.13.md
Conditional Loading (Load Based on Task Patterns)
Core files above cover 80%+ of Python code patterns. Only load these additional files when you detect specific patterns:
Pattern detection examples:
- If task mentions "click" or "CLI" -> Load
cli-patterns.md - If task mentions "subprocess" -> Load
subprocess.md
When to Read Each Reference Document
The references/ directory contains detailed guidance for specialized topics. Load these on-demand when you encounter relevant patterns:
references/exception-handling.md
Read when:
- Writing try/except blocks
- Wrapping third-party APIs that may raise
- Seeing or writing
from eorfrom None - Unsure if LBYL alternative exists
references/interfaces.md
Read when:
- Creating ABC or Protocol classes
- Writing @abstractmethod decorators
- Designing gateway layer interfaces
- Choosing between ABC and Protocol
references/typing-advanced.md
Read when:
- Using typing.cast()
- Creating Literal type aliases
- Narrowing types in conditional blocks
references/module-design.md
Read when:
- Creating new Python modules
- Adding module-level code (beyond simple constants)
- Using @cache decorator at module level
- Seeing Path() or computation at module level
- Considering inline imports
references/api-design.md
Read when:
- Adding default parameter values to functions
- Defining functions with 5 or more parameters
- Using ThreadPoolExecutor.submit()
- Reviewing function signatures
references/checklists.md
Read when:
- Final review before committing Python code
- Unsure if you've followed all rules
- Need a quick lookup of requirements
How to Use This Skill
- Core knowledge is loaded automatically (LBYL, pathlib, basic imports, anti-patterns)
- Version detection happens once - identify the minimum Python version and load the appropriate version file
- Reference documents are loaded on-demand based on the triggers above
- Additional patterns may require extra loading (CLI patterns, subprocess)
- Each file is self-contained with complete guidance for its domain