CPython Internals: Your Guide to the Python 3 Interpreter

This guide is a very straightforward introduction and dive into the insides of how Python's core interpreter works. It did a very good job, for me, of introducing how Python works and thinks as well as open a lot of places to explore and learn more about how and why Python works like it does. Extremely glad I got this because it unlocked a lot of understanding for me. I still need to read it a few more times to really get my head around it all, but as a tour of the pieces and why they are there and how the work together, this is a very welcome onramp.

Like me, if you are curious to learn in depth about Python compilation and execution methodology, this is the perfect book for you.Having read 3 other books on Python fundamentals to advanced techniques, I can say this book provides the most Python fundamental knowledge to readers.Only thing to keep in mind is that this is not a holistic reference book on Python, so do not expect it to cover about each data structure.

A deep dive into the Python Interpreter internals- learn how to extend the language- understand how source code is transformed into ASTs and bytecode- deep dive into custom GIL optimizations- some good performance tuning tipsI learned much from this book.One possible improvement would be sequence diagrams describing the various internal code flows - easier to grok.

Well written, interesting, detailed coverage of how CPython works, documenting all the main internal wheels.I gave it a 4 because of a very annoying feature of the type - some of the text (strings and comments) is a very pale gray. Reserved words and numbers are also gray although not as pale. Both are very hard to read. They may be nicely colored and highlighted in the digital version. The value of putting them in a different font/color is unclear in such simple B&W examples.Amazingly I downloaded the Python source following the directions and it built! My experience with other open source hasn't been so orderly.

excellent book to better understand python. Highly recommended!!!!

Book arrived in good condition. Without any damage

Short answer is: I was very impressed by this book because it is well written, focuses on Python 3.9, provides detailed instructions, and the code samples were tested across the three major operating systems: MacOS, Linux and Windows.What it is not: If you are only wanting a primer on how to write a "C" extension for Python then this is not what this book is about.What this book is: Step-by-step instructions explain how you can setup a "C" compiler (explaining MacOS, Linux and Windows setup separately), pull down the open-source "C" programs from the internet, and compile your own executable version of the enormously popular CPython interpreter. The book goes into great detail about the concepts and purposes behind what that "C" code does under the hood (lexing, parsing, etc). Anthony Shaw's book is aimed more at the very curious Python programmers who want to try out newer versions of the continually evolving CPython... perhaps to someday contribute to that effort, or maybe to insert their own custom fixes or enhancements... without having to wait for the next major release. This book is also aimed at the more serious programmers who are simply curious about what the CPython interpreter actually does internally, to gain an understanding of how Python's dictionary objects defined in the "C" source, and so on.This book is written in a clear manner and will open up a new world for those seeking this kind of information! And just in case you're wondering: No, I don't work for the author or RealPython. I'm not being paid a dime for this recommendation.--DT

This book is the real deal, a lifetime of entertainment as you explore the bowels of Python.Any serious python programmer should consider working through this book. It will keep youbusy. The good news is the people who wrote it know what they are talking about and theytalk to you in a nice way. That makes a lot of difference. While I am here I should make a plugfor the realpython.com site. This book along with a lot of other great learning materials areavailable there. Again, nice people who will take you where you're at and help you moveforward with your python programming skills.