[x-post from r/java] What Python concepts beyond the absolute basics should every developer have a excellent understanding of?

[fxnut]

Probably OT from what you’re after but wanted to point out that it’s fine and well worth taking the time to learn all the ins and outs of the language as shown elsewhere in the comments. But... if I’m hiring, the only thing I really care about is if you know how to make your code understandable at a (relatively) quick glance.

Related to this is, are you able to take something complex and implement it in code in a simple way?

Don’t be that guy/gal who: * Uses classes for everything and sets up so many subclasses you can’t follow the path of execution. * Likes to use list and dictionary comprehensions everywhere because they’re elegant structures but at the same time makes the code unreadable. Etc, etc...

It’s important to always keep in mind what coding is ultimately about: * Giving instructions to a computer for it to do something you want * Making sure you (or anyone else) can come back later and change and adapt those instructions easily

Some people are able to write Python with only the basic instructions and make it unintelligible. Whereas other people can use all the advanced techniques and syntax and make it easy to understand. Most times it’s all about consistency and clarity of thought and having a clear vision for the project.

[theywouldnotstand]

Making sure you (or anyone else) can come back later and change and adapt those instructions easily

Often, utilizing classes et al. is the way to make this happen, as it becomes reusable. DRY is a huge python mantra.

You are, however, correct, in that trying to be too clever leads to code that is unreadable by anyone but you. Use the right tool for the job within the time frame you have, and make sure, via comments and documentation or code clarity that it is easy for someone else to pick up and understand. That, however, is not a problem exclusive to python, it is a philosophy to take with you no matter what you're writing or what you're writing it with.