Add an "assert mode" to `-X showrefcount` that fails when references leak
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interpreter-core
type-feature
- Dominant language
- Python
- Stars
- 77.2k
- Forks
- 36k
- PR merge metrics
- PR metrics pending
Description
The -X showrefcount option currently prints the number of references at exit.
Once we get the number to 0, we should test that it stays that way. It would be nice to add a mode, say -X showrefcount=assert0 or -X checkrefcount, that exits with nonzero if refs/blocks remain. Then it can be used in subprocess tests.
cc @vstinner
Contributor guide
First steps
- Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
- Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
- Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
- Open a pull request that references the issue number.
Research direction
Start by tracing how the -X showrefcount option is handled and how subprocess tests invoke interpreter options. Add an assert mode that reports failure and exits nonzero when references or blocks remain, then cover it in subprocess tests; done means the mode passes at zero and fails when leaks remain.
Written by the indexing model from the issue text.
Assessment
- Tech stack
- python
- Domain
- testing-qa
- Issue type
- Feature
- Difficulty
- 4/5
- Estimated time
- 3-5 days
- Activity status
- Stale
- Clarity
- Mostly clear
- Newbie friendliness
- 35/100