The core Python developers have just launched three new “cursed” releases of the Python programming languages. Each of them is causing headaches.
The developers were forced to release the new versions without Windows installers. The launch was in a huge need due to a memory leak bug in the previous version.
What is more, developers were unable to issue the new releases with Windows installers due to unexpected complexities regarding the update of Windows certificate. Two lead developers are working hard to resolve the issue. The Windows installers are expected to be added by the end of this week. Łukasz Langa, CPython core developer, said:
“The releases you’re looking at were all cursed in some way. What a way to start 2022! Besides the certificate hold up, Python 3.10.2 is an expedited release, Python 3.11.0a4 had almost 20 release blockers before being finally green, and Python 3.9.10 was made from a new M1 Mac on macOS Monterey which made the usually boring process quite a ride. We’re hoping 2022 won’t be this intense all year!”
Python 3.10.2
The latest release for Python is a special bug-fixing edition which has been released ahead of schedule to address a memory leak bug. The problem was affecting apps using certain function calls when using Cython.In fact, the release addressed more than 100 other bugs which are now fixed and developers are highly encouraging the community to upgrade to Python 3.10.2 asap.
Python 3.9.10
Python 3.9 is the recent legacy Python series and the update marks its ninth maintenance release. The series will receive three more bug-fixing updates before the migration to the latest 3.10 build. The final bug-fixing update is expected to land in May 2022 and the next one is scheduled for Pi Day, 14 March 2022. Including the latest 3.9.10 release, the developers have made 130 changes.
Python 3.11.0a4
The newest generation Python 3.11 is still in alpha development with 3.11.0a4 representing the fourth of seven planned alpha releases as the main build in October 2022.
Python creator Guido van Rossum commented at the 2021 Python Language Summit that he and a team, funded by Microsoft, were working on making performance improvements to the language.