Programmers dig Python and Zig

Python’s popularity continues to outpace all competition. That’s why projects to make it faster are crucial, difficult as that may be. Plus, Python’s new, standardized dependency lockfile format is here. And if you’re a fan of Zig for speed and Python for convenience, we show how to make both languages live in harmony.

Top picks for Python readers on InfoWorld

Python’s popularity at its highest everNo programming language has been this popular since Java in 2001. And Python’s lead over rival programming languages is growing.

Making Python faster won’t be easy, but it’ll be worth itIt will be a struggle to make Python faster, no thanks to its dynamism and legacy support needs. But it’s happening, and the effort is already paying dividends to the language’s massive user base.

Understand Python’s new lock file formatLock files for tracking Python dependencies used to come only from third-party tools. Now Python has its own native lock file format. See how it shapes up against the existing ad hoc standards

How to boost Python program performance with ZigZig is being touted as the next big thing for C-style programming. Because Zig exposes a C-like interface, you can wrap Zig in Python and get speed and convenience together.

More good reads and Python updates elsewhere

Say goodbye to the standalone PyCharm CommunityJetBrains is combining PyCharm Community and PyCharm Professional into a single, unified PyCharm download. The familiar, free-to-use community features are still free, and the source for PyCharm Community remains available, too.

A very early first peek at Astral’s Rust-powered Python type checkerWord leaked out a little before ty was ready for prime time, but you can now try out this lightning-fast type checking tool for Python (from the makers of uv). Warning: it’s still alpha!

Meta unveils its own Rust-powered Python type checker, PyreflyNot to be outdone, Meta has unveiled its own tool in this space. Like ty, Pyrefly is in its alpha stages, so use with caution.

Slightly off-topic: Plain vanilla web devHow to get back to no-frameworks, no-frills, web building basics with bog-standard HTML, CSS, and core JavaScript.