Meet the Walrus Operator (:=) in Python
The Python Walrus Operator (:=) lets you assign a value inside an expression. It reduces repetition, speeds up common patterns (loops, filtering, regex), and keeps code tidy—when used thoughtfully.
The Hidden Uses of the _ Variable in Python
That little underscore (_) in Python isn’t meaningless. From storing results in the REPL to acting as a throwaway variable in loops, ignoring values in unpacking, and even handling translations in Django — _ is one of Python’s most versatile tools.
Python’s sitecustomize.py & usercustomize.py — The Hidden Startup Files You Didn’t Know About
Every time you start Python, two special files might run — without you typing a single command.
They’re called sitecustomize.py and usercustomize.py, and they can be game-changers for global configuration… or a nightmare if misused.
Python __main__.py: How to Run a Folder Like a Script
Did you know Python can run an entire folder like it’s a .py script?
It’s possible with __main__.py, a special file that acts as the entry point for a package or even a .zip archive. In this guide, we’ll explore what __main__.py is, how it works, why it’s useful, and the best practices for using it.
Python __init__.py: The Tiny File That Turns a Folder into a Package
__init__.py is the switch that tells Python, “this folder is a package.” Learn what it does, when it can be empty, how to control imports with __all__, and why it still matters even with namespace packages in Python 3.3+.