python / python/mypy

no error when `TypeVar` with explicit variance is used in the wrong position when it's part of a union

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bug
Dominant language
Python
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Description

from typing import Generic, TypeVar

T = TypeVar("T", covariant=True)

class Foo(Generic[T]):
    def b(self, value: T | int) -> None: ... # no error

playground

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 with the Python reproducer in the issue and run it in the linked mypy-play playground. Trace how explicit TypeVar variance is checked when the variable appears inside a union; done when this example reports an error for covariant T used in the parameter position.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

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

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