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compare-cpython-versions

Compares two CPython versions' headers and structs to identify breaking changes and API modifications.

648|537|Updated Jun 20, 2016
Search Tags:#compatibility#diff#headers#versions#cpython#structs
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/DataDog/dd-trace-py --skill compare-cpython-versions
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: compare-cpython-versions
Source: https://github.com/DataDog/dd-trace-py/tree/main/.claude/skills/compare-cpython-versions
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/DataDog/dd-trace-py --skill compare-cpython-versions

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps compare CPython source code between two Python versions to identify changes in headers, structs, and APIs that affect our codebase.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Prepare CPython repo: Clone and fetch tags to a local copy for comparison.
  • Header/struct comparison: Use diffs to identify changes in Include/internal headers and PyObject structures.
  • Impact assessment: Highlight breaking changes and migration paths for our code.

Quick Start

Clone CPython to ~/dd/cpython if needed and compare versions with git diff:

  • git diff OLD_VERSION NEW_VERSION -- Include/internal/pycore_frame.h
  • git diff OLD_VERSION NEW_VERSION -- Include/frameobject.h
  • git diff OLD_VERSION NEW_VERSION -- Include/internal/pycore*.h

Frequently Asked Questions about compare-cpython-versions

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I compare CPython source code between versions to find breaking changes?▼

Comparing CPython versions involves cloning the CPython repository, checking out specific version tags, and using git diff on headers and structs like pycore_frame.h and frameobject.h to identify API modifications, struct changes, and breaking changes between versions.

What CPython headers and structs should I monitor when adding support for a new Python version?▼

Focus on Include/internal headers (pycore_*.h files) and PyObject structure definitions in frameobject.h and related headers, as these commonly change between CPython versions and directly affect compatibility with native extensions and C-level code.

Can I use git diff to identify CPython compatibility issues between Python versions?▼

Yes, git diff between CPython version tags reveals header movements, struct layout changes, and API modifications. Combined with manual inspection and AI-assisted analysis, it highlights migration paths and files affected by incompatibilities.

When should I compare CPython versions instead of just upgrading?▼

Compare CPython versions when preparing support for a new Python release, investigating unexpected compatibility failures, understanding version-to-version differences, or analyzing findings from compatibility scanning tools to plan migration safely.

What's the relationship between CPython version differences and native extension compatibility?▼

Native extensions depend on stable CPython headers and struct definitions. Version-to-version changes in pycore_*.h and PyObject structures can break extensions, making structured comparison essential for assessing compatibility impact before upgrading.

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