python / python/cpython

Clarify module.__file__ documentation in the data model reference

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Description

Documentation

The module.__file__ section in Doc/reference/datamodel.rst has two problems:

  • it says "Both attributes should be a str" even though the section is describing a single attribute
  • it does not clearly explain the path form readers should expect from __file__

The docs should say that __file__ is optional, should be a str when set, and is usually an absolute path for modules loaded from a file by the import system, while callers that require an absolute path should normalize it explicitly.

Linked PRs
  • gh-150273

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Research direction

Open the module.file section in Doc/reference/datamodel.rst and review its current wording against the issue requirements. Done means the text describes the attribute as optional, identifies str and the usual absolute-path behavior, and notes that callers needing an absolute path should normalize it explicitly.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
python
Domain
documentation
Issue type
Documentation
Difficulty
1/5
Estimated time
Under an hour
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Clearly specified
Newbie friendliness
25/100

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