Env Variable to Auto-Name and Recognize __pycache__ As .__pycache__

Feature or enhancement

Proposal:

Introduce a Bash environment variable (PYTHON_PYCACHE_HIDDEN) that, when set, automatically names and recognizes the __pycache__ directory as .__pycache__. This change aims to improve directory cleanliness by making the __pycache__ directory hidden by default, reducing visual clutter in project directories.

The __pycache__ directory, often clutters project directories. While necessary for Python's efficient execution, it can be an eyesore, especially in larger projects. Making this directory hidden by default would: improve directory readability, maintain compiled functionality, and introduce optional visibility.

Bottom line, __pycache__ directory enhances Python's execution efficiency by storing compiled bytecode, but its contents are rarely useful for regular viewing, cluttering project directories unnecessarily.

Has this already been discussed elsewhere?

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Links to previous discussion of this feature:

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The issue names no files, tests, or entry points. First locate CPython's handling of pycache directory naming and recognition, then identify how environment variables are processed. Done means an opt-in PYTHON_PYCACHE_HIDDEN setting consistently uses and recognizes .pycache without breaking compiled-bytecode behavior.