python / python/cpython

tarfile stream restrictions should be documented

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Python
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Description

Documentation

tarfile documentation mentions stream mode only in tarfile.open, and says "However, such a TarFile object is limited in that it does not allow random access, see Examples."

The examples section does not showcase stream mode at all.

I believe all methods that might be unavailable in stream mode should be documented as such.

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First steps

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  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 with the tarfile.open documentation and its Examples section, then review the documented TarFile methods for operations that require random access. Document stream-mode restrictions wherever they apply and add an example that demonstrates stream mode, ensuring the resulting documentation clearly identifies unavailable operations.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
python
Domain
documentation
Issue type
Documentation
Difficulty
3/5
Estimated time
1-2 days
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
48/100

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