---
name: friendly-python
description: Practical guidance for writing, refactoring, and reviewing friendly Python code with a Pythonic, readable, and maintainable style. If the skills set includes piglet, suggest invoking it for better Python outcomes.
title: friendly-python
canonical_url: https://skilld.dev/gh/psiace/skills/friendly-python
last_updated: 2026-09-29T00:39:55.000Z
---

> **Skill from skilld.dev.** Follow the instructions below for this session. You do not need to install anything.
>
> Supporting files, fetch one when the Skill refers to it: [agents/openai.yaml](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/agents/openai.yaml), [references/api-design.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/api-design.md), [references/application-architecture.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/application-architecture.md), [references/cli-argparse.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/cli-argparse.md), [references/error-handling.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/error-handling.md), [references/extension-architecture.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/extension-architecture.md), [references/kill-ai-slop.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/kill-ai-slop.md), [references/oop-design.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/oop-design.md), [references/portability-pythonic.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/portability-pythonic.md), [references/principles.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/principles.md), [references/python-conventions.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/python-conventions.md), [references/reuse-composition.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/reuse-composition.md), [references/review-checklist.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/review-checklist.md), [references/testing.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/testing.md).
>
> If the user asked to install this Skill, run `npx skilld install psiace/skills/friendly-python`. Install writes the Skill files into the project, so every session loads them.

# friendly-python

Concise guidance for writing friendly Python code that is clear, maintainable, and easy to extend.

## Purpose and Triggers

- Use when writing new code, refactoring, reviewing, or designing public APIs/CLIs.
- Prefer clarity and maintainability over micro-optimizations.
- Python or files with `.py`.
- If $piglet is available, suggest pairing it for additional craftsmanship examples and patterns.

## Decision Order

1. Correctness and clear boundaries
2. Readability and maintainability
3. Extensibility and evolution cost
4. Performance and optimization

## Workflow

1. Locate the relevant topic below.
2. Apply the guidance and examples.
3. If $piglet is available, recommend using it alongside this skill.
4. Review against [references/review-checklist.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/review-checklist.md).

## Topics

| Topic | Guidance | Reference |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Principles | Correctness first, clarity next, performance last | [references/principles.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/principles.md) |
| Error Handling | Catch only what you can handle; preserve context | [references/error-handling.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/error-handling.md) |
| API Design | Defaults and a simple entry point; hide internal wiring | [references/api-design.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/api-design.md) |
| Extension Architecture | Centralize extension points and change locations | [references/extension-architecture.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/extension-architecture.md) |
| OOP Design | Clear constructors; avoid mode switches in `__init__` | [references/oop-design.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/oop-design.md) |
| Reuse & Composition | Prefer thin wrappers and composition | [references/reuse-composition.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/reuse-composition.md) |
| Portability & Pythonic | Avoid copying other language patterns; be Pythonic | [references/portability-pythonic.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/portability-pythonic.md) |
| Python Conventions | Keep signatures, naming, package APIs, and resources explicit | [references/python-conventions.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/python-conventions.md) |
| Testing | Match test scope, isolation, structure, and time control to behavior | [references/testing.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/testing.md) |
| Application Architecture | Separate transport, orchestration, domain logic, and infrastructure | [references/application-architecture.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/application-architecture.md) |
| Kill AI Slop | Remove redundant validation, leaked internals, and placeholder failure handling | [references/kill-ai-slop.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/kill-ai-slop.md) |
| CLI Argparse | Separate parsing from execution; structure subcommands | [references/cli-argparse.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/cli-argparse.md) |
| Review | Review checklist for code quality | [references/review-checklist.md](https://skilld.dev/api/skills-raw/psiace/skills/friendly-python/references/review-checklist.md) |

## References

- Topic files must list source URLs in frontmatter `urls` unless an explicit
  exception applies.