python / python/cpython

inspect module caches can grow without bound

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#116,804 0 comments 0 reactions 0 assignees View on GitHub

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stdlib type-bug
Dominant language
Python
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Description

inspect.getmodule uses these dicts as caches:

modulesbyfile = {}
_filesbymodname = {}

In #116731, we might make refleak tests clear/ignore the caches. But that's not entirely correct: they could grow without bound, with dynamically created files/modules.

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

Start at inspect.getmodule and the modulesbyfile and _filesbymodname cache definitions. Review how dynamically created files and modules enter these dictionaries, then examine the refleak tests mentioned in #116731; done means the caches no longer grow without bound while module inspection remains correct.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
python
Domain
devtools
Issue type
Bug
Difficulty
4/5
Estimated time
3-5 days
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
30/100

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