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Python 3.11+ Features in NOW-LMS

NOW-LMS requires Python 3.11+ and takes advantage of modern Python language features for better code quality, performance, and maintainability.

Implemented Features

Python 3.8 Features

1. Positional-Only Parameters (/)

Location: now_lms/auth.py

Used in critical authentication functions to prevent keyword argument misuse:

def proteger_passwd(clave, /):
    """Protege contraseña con argon2. Solo acepta argumentos posicionales."""

def validar_acceso(usuario_id, acceso, /):
    """Verifica inicio de sesión. Solo acepta argumentos posicionales."""

Benefits: - Prevents accidental keyword argument usage in security-critical functions - Makes API intentions clearer - Protects against future parameter name changes

Python 3.9 Features

1. Native Type Hinting for Generics

Locations: now_lms/misc.py, now_lms/mail.py

Replaced old-style Union types with modern union operator:

# Before
from typing import Union
def func(param: Union[str, None]) -> Union[dict, None]:

# After  
def func(param: str | None) -> dict | None:

Benefits: - More readable type hints - Consistent with modern Python style - Better IDE support

Python 3.10 Features

1. Structural Pattern Matching (match)

Location: now_lms/vistas/home.py

Replaced long if-elif chains with pattern matching for user role handling:

# Before
if current_user.tipo == "admin":
    # admin logic
elif current_user.tipo == "student":
    # student logic
elif current_user.tipo == "instructor":
    # instructor logic
else:
    # default

# After
match current_user.tipo:
    case "admin":
        # admin logic
    case "student":
        # student logic  
    case "instructor":
        # instructor logic
    case _:
        # default

Location: now_lms/mail.py

String-to-boolean conversion:

# Before
if MAIL_USE_SSL == "FALSE":
    MAIL_USE_SSL = False
elif MAIL_USE_SSL == "TRUE":
    MAIL_USE_SSL = True

# After
match MAIL_USE_SSL:
    case "FALSE":
        MAIL_USE_SSL = False
    case "TRUE":
        MAIL_USE_SSL = True

Benefits: - More readable than long if-elif chains - Pattern matching is more powerful and extensible - Better performance for multiple comparisons

Python 3.11 Features

1. Improved Typing with Self

Location: now_lms/db/__init__.py

Used Self return type annotation for methods that return the instance:

from typing import Self

class ForoMensaje(database.Model, BaseTabla):
    def get_thread_root(self) -> Self:
        """Retorna el mensaje raíz del hilo."""
        if self.parent_id:
            return self.parent.get_thread_root()
        return self

Benefits: - More accurate type hints for methods returning self - Better IDE support and type checking - Self-documenting code

Code Quality Impact

Linting and Formatting

All modernized code passes: - Black: Python code formatter with line length 127 - Flake8: Linting with project-specific rules - mypy: Type checking (when available) - ruff: Fast Python linter

Testing

All features are validated by: - Unit tests continue to pass - Integration tests validate functionality - Route testing ensures no regressions

Future Opportunities

Additional Python 3.8+ Features to Consider

  1. Assignment Expressions (Walrus Operator): Look for file processing and validation patterns where assignment+check is common
  2. More Positional-Only Parameters: Apply to other core functions like database operations
  3. Exception Groups: For handling multiple concurrent errors in file uploads or batch operations
  4. Parenthesized Context Managers: For file operations and database transactions

Performance Benefits

  • Pattern Matching: Better performance than if-elif chains for multiple comparisons
  • Native Type Hints: Reduced import overhead
  • Walrus Operator: Eliminates redundant computations

Migration Guidelines

When modernizing additional code:

  1. Prioritize Safety: Always test changes thoroughly
  2. Focus on Readability: Only apply features where they improve code clarity
  3. Maintain Compatibility: Ensure all team members use Python 3.11+
  4. Document Changes: Update this file when adding new features

References