Does this skill support Windows builds?

The skill provides platform notes for Windows, though it primarily automates the 'configure' and 'make' workflow used on Linux and macOS. For Windows, it will guide you through the Visual Studio requirements.

Can I use pytest with the CPython Build skill?

No, the CPython core project uses its own unittest-based regression suite. This skill is specifically designed to use 'python -m test' as required by CPython standards.

Why does the skill insist on building in a subdirectory?

Building in a 'build/' subdirectory (out-of-tree build) is a CPython best practice that keeps the source tree clean and allows for multiple configuration types (like debug and release) to coexist.

How do I speed up my CPython builds using this skill?

The skill automatically detects and configures 'ccache' if available. It also uses parallel execution via 'make -j' and provides instructions for installing ccache on various platforms.

CPython Build & Test Suite

Name: CPython Build & Test Suite
Author: gpshead

bygpshead

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Developer Tools

Streamlines the process of compiling CPython from source, managing Argument Clinic, and executing the internal regression test suite.

About

The CPython Build & Test skill is a specialized tool for developers contributing to or debugging the Python interpreter. It automates complex workflows including out-of-tree build configuration, ccache integration for faster recompilation, and the regeneration of Argument Clinic files. By enforcing CPython-specific best practices—such as using the internal unittest runner instead of pytest and managing platform-specific build nuances—it ensures that changes to the CPython codebase are correctly compiled, verified, and benchmarked without common configuration errors.

Key Features

Comprehensive test execution using the CPython-specific unittest system
Out-of-tree build automation for Linux and macOS
ccache integration for high-speed incremental rebuilds
8 GitHub stars
Argument Clinic regeneration for C-level function signature changes
Performance benchmarking configuration by omitting debug symbols

Use Cases

Compiling a custom CPython binary to test core interpreter changes
Troubleshooting build failures and dependency issues in the CPython source
Running specific regression tests with glob matching to verify bug fixes

About

Key Features

Comprehensive test execution using the CPython-specific unittest system
Out-of-tree build automation for Linux and macOS
ccache integration for high-speed incremental rebuilds
8 GitHub stars
Argument Clinic regeneration for C-level function signature changes
Performance benchmarking configuration by omitting debug symbols

Use Cases

Compiling a custom CPython binary to test core interpreter changes
Troubleshooting build failures and dependency issues in the CPython source
Running specific regression tests with glob matching to verify bug fixes