name: dignified-python description: Python coding standards with automatic version detection. Use when writing, reviewing, or refactoring Python to ensure adherence to LBYL exception handling patterns, modern type syntax (list[str], str | None), pathlib operations, ABC-based interfaces, absolute imports, and explicit error boundaries at CLI level. Also provides production-tested code smell patterns from Dagster Labs for API design, parameter complexity, and code organization. Essential for maintaining erk's dignified Python standards.

Dignified Python Coding Standards

Core Knowledge (ALWAYS Loaded)

@dignified-python-core.md

Version Detection

Identify the project's minimum Python version by checking (in order):

1. pyproject.toml - Look for requires-python field (e.g., requires-python = ">=3.12")
2. setup.py or setup.cfg - Look for python_requires
3. .python-version file - Contains version like 3.12 or 3.12.0
4. Default to Python 3.12 if no version specifier found

Once identified, load the appropriate version-specific file:

• Python 3.10: Load versions/python-3.10.md
• Python 3.11: Load versions/python-3.11.md
• Python 3.12: Load versions/python-3.12.md
• Python 3.13: Load versions/python-3.13.md

Conditional Loading (Load Based on Task Patterns)

Core files above cover 80%+ of Python code patterns. Only load these additional files when you detect specific patterns:

Pattern detection examples:

• If task mentions "click" or "CLI" -> Load cli-patterns.md
• If task mentions "subprocess" -> Load subprocess.md

How to Use This Skill

1. Core knowledge is loaded automatically (LBYL, pathlib, ABC, imports, exceptions)
2. Version detection happens once - identify the minimum Python version and load the appropriate version file
3. Additional patterns may require extra loading (CLI patterns, subprocess)
4. Each file is self-contained with complete guidance for its domain