The latest release of Python, version 3.13, represents a major milestone for the popular programming language. Initially scheduled for release on October 1, the new version was delayed due to a performance regression and is now available as of October 7.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the key changes and improvements in Python 3.13, including experimental support for free threading, an improved interactive interpreter, and incremental garbage collection.

Free Threading: A New Era for Python Performance

One of the most significant changes in Python 3.13 is the introduction of free threading, which allows multiple threads to run concurrently without the need for a global interpreter lock (GIL). This feature has the potential to greatly improve performance in multithreaded applications.

According to Tom Tang, an engineer at Distributive and core developer of the PythonMonkey project, “Free threading is a game-changer for Python. It will allow us to take full advantage of multi-core processors and make our code run faster and more efficiently.”

Improved Interactive Interpreter

The interactive interpreter in Python 3.13 has also received some significant updates. The new version features multiline editing with history preservation, direct support for read-eval-print loop (REPL)-specific commands, color-enabled prompts and tracebacks, and interactive help browsing.

These changes make the interactive interpreter a more powerful tool for developers, allowing them to work more efficiently and effectively.

Incremental Garbage Collection

Another important change in Python 3.13 is the introduction of incremental garbage collection. This feature reduces long pauses when cleaning up allocated memory, making it easier to write high-performance code.

According to Stanley Seibert, a developer at Anaconda, “Incremental garbage collection is a big deal for Python. It will make our code run faster and more smoothly, and will help us to take advantage of the latest hardware.”

Other Key Changes

In addition to free threading, an improved interactive interpreter, and incremental garbage collection, Python 3.13 includes several other key changes. These include:

• An updated C API that makes it easier to write extensions in C
• Improved support for mobile devices, including iOS and Android
• Wasm support has moved from emscripten to WASI

Conclusion

Python 3.13 represents a significant step forward for the popular programming language. With its experimental support for free threading, improved interactive interpreter, and incremental garbage collection, this release is sure to be of interest to developers who want to take advantage of the latest features and improvements.

Whether you’re a seasoned Python developer or just starting out, this release is worth checking out. So why not give it a try today?

What do you think about the changes in Python 3.13? Share your thoughts in the comments below!