python / python/mypy

Constant vs variable as index for none-checking List[Optional[...]]

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feature topic-type-narrowing
Dominant language
Python
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Description

Can you explain to me why there is this difference between using a constant and a variable as index for none-checking here?

from typing import List, Optional

my_list: List[Optional[float]] = []

if my_list[0] is not None:
    result_1: float = my_list[0]        # no error
    result_2: float = my_list[1]        # error: Incompatible types in assignment (expression has type "Optional[float]", variable has type "float")

id_0 = 0
if my_list[id_0] is not None:
    result_3: float = my_list[id_0]     # error: Incompatible types in assignment (expression has type "Optional[float]", variable has type "float")


for i in range(10):
    if my_list[i] is not None:
        a: float = my_list[i]           # error: Incompatible types in assignment (expression has type "Optional[float]", variable has type "float")
  • Mypy version used: 0.800 0.941
  • Mypy command-line flags:
  • Mypy configuration options from mypy.ini (and other config files):
  • Python version used: python3.6
  • Operating system and version: Ubuntu 18.04 in WSL2 (Windows 11)

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Research direction

The issue names no repository files or tests. Reproduce the examples with mypy 0.941, then trace the type narrowing behavior for indexed List[Optional[float]] expressions. Done means the differing constant, variable, and loop-index behavior is explained and, if confirmed as a bug, covered by an appropriate regression test.

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
35/100

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