Migrating from Python 2.7 to Python 3

Course details

Are you still using Python 2.7? Official support for this version ended in January 2020; upgrading is more important than ever. If you've been meaning to make the jump to Python 3, but aren't entirely sure how to use the new features—or how to migrate your existing code—then this course is for you. Instructor Steven Lott illuminates the differences between the two Python versions, going over changes to built-in Python functions and the Python standard library. He also walks through a number of ways to convert your Python 2.7 applications to Python 3, including manual rewrite and automated migration using packages like six, pytest, and 2to3. Along the way, Steven shares his own experiences with this transition and offers helpful suggestions for enhancing the overall quality and performance of your code.

Topics include:
Comparing the two versions
Syntax changes introduced with Python 3
Changes to built-in functions
Changes to the Python standard library
Manually vs. automatically migrating to Python 3
Using six to handle class definitions
Using six with standard library changes
Unit testing with pytest
Automating migrations with 2to3

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Getting started with migrating Python

1. Python 2 and Python 3

02 - The challenges of migrating from Python 2 to 3
03 - Historical overview
04 - The official how to guide
05 - The obvious differences in Python 3

2. Feature Comparisons

06 - The language syntax changes
07 - Syntax changes that have to wait
08 - Changes to the internal types
09 - Changes to Python built-in functions
10 - Changes to the Python standard library

3. Conversion Strategies - Manual or Automated

11 - Navigation among the strategies
12 - Readying the toolbox
13 - Manual rewrite
14 - Automated migration via 2to3
15 - Final cleanup

4. Using Six

16 - Overview of the features of six
17 - Syntax wrapping with six
18 - Handling class definitions with six
19 - Using six to manage built-in functions
20 - Using six with standard library changes

5. Using Pytest for Unit Testing

21 - Overview of the goals of unit testing
22 - Capturing Python 2 features as tests
23 - Mocking and monkey patching
24 - Design for testability
25 - Bugs - Fix or preserve

6. Using 2to3 to Automate Conversion

26 - Overview of the features of 2to3
27 - Syntax and class definitions
28 - Built-ins and library migrations
29 - Test automation with tox
30 - Type checking with mypy

Conclusion

31 - Final thoughts
32 - Continuing on with Python 3