The Python AI library hack that didn’t hack Python

Guess what’s both one of the fastest-growing and most popular languages of 2024? (Hint: It’s not Java.) Also in Python this month: A clever hack of a popular Python AI library offers some hard security lessons, a new Python package management tool accelerates your workflow, and 10 tips for making your Python programs faster.

Top picks for Python readers on InfoWorld

Python a shoo-in for Tiobe language of the yearSurvey says! Turns out Python isn’t only the most popular language but also the fastest-growing one for 2024.

3 takeaways from the Ultralytics AI Python library hackYes, the hack points to critical vulnerabilities in the Python ecosystem, but not where you might think. (And no, it wasn’t PyPI.)

How to use uv: A superfast Python package installerThe all-in-one Python project management tool written in Rust replaces pip, venv, and other tools. And guess what? It breaks speed records, too.

10 tips for speeding up Python programsPython’s conveniences don’t have to get in the way of performance. Here’s how to get the best of both worlds.

More good reads and Python updates elsewhere

Icecream: Never use print() to debug againNot that print() is bad, but IceCream makes print-style debugging a joy instead of a chore.

The python-build-standalone project is now part of AstralThe stewards of the wicked fast uv package manager for Python are now also governors of the widely used automated build project for no-dependency Python runtimes.

Create QR codes in pure PythonCheck out this handy no-dependency library for generating QR codes. (You can add the Pillow imaging library for extra features.)

Historical flashback: The Honeywell Kitchen ComputerBecause it made total sense to spend $10,000 in 1969 dollars for a glorified recipe book. Hey, at least it looked snazzy.