python / python/mypy

Exception variable can leak to other scopes causing strange error messages

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#6,647 4 comments 2 reactions 0 assignees View on GitHub

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priority-2-low topic-runtime-semantics topic-usability topic-variable-scope
Dominant language
Python
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Description

Consider this example:

def test() -> None:
    print(e)

try:
    pass
except Exception as e:
    pass

I would expect Name 'e' is not defined, but instead mypy gives Trying to read deleted variable 'e', which may be confusing.

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First steps

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  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 supplied Python reproducer and search the codebase for the diagnostic text "Trying to read deleted variable". Trace how exception variables are reported, then add a regression test showing that the out-of-scope reference produces the expected undefined-name message.

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
42/100

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