python / python/mypy

variance okay for literals, but not expressions ([1, 2] okay for list[int | None] but [1] + [2] is error)

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Python
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Description

a: list[int | None] = [1] + [2] + [None]
b: list[int | None] = [1] + [2]
c: list[int | None] = [1, 2]

a is okay, b is an error, c is okay

Apologies if this is a repeat / common issue. I couldn't find anything in the docs. This is popping up for me a lot, my interpretation is that mypy allows type invariance on literals that it will not for expressions.

To Reproduce

https://mypy-play.net/?mypy=latest&python=3.11&gist=b999a1bd2e975645b868c0b376c910e8

Expected Behavior

Either b and c should both be errors or (preferably) neither.

Actual Behavior

b is an error but c isn't

Your Environment

  • Mypy version used: 1.7.1 and master
  • Python version used: 3.11

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  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 by running the linked mypy-play reproduction with mypy 1.7.1 or master and Python 3.11, comparing the diagnostics for assignments a, b, and c. Done means the behavior for [1] + [2] agrees with the behavior for [1, 2], according to the expected behavior stated in the issue.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
python
Domain
compilers
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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