Uploaded November 2018 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
John Reese
2018.northbaypython.org/schedule/presentation/23
Python includes a concrete syntax tree (CST) in the standard library, useful for mass refactoring code bases of all sizes. I'll walk through the differences between abstract and concrete syntax trees (AST and CST), why a CST is useful for refactoring, and how you can build basic refactoring tools on top of a CST to modify your entire code base quickly and safely. Lastly, I'll demonstrate what's possible with these tools, including upgrading code to new interfaces, or wholesale movement of code between modules. This talk assumes a basic understanding of how Python works, but will otherwise provide enough context to be useful to those who haven't previously worked with syntax trees.
A Python conference north of the Golden Gate
North Bay Python is a single-track conference with a carefully curated set of talks representing the diverse Python community and their different areas of interest.
If a topic is less to your interest, or you've met some people you really want to sit down and chat with, we'll have plenty of areas away from the main theatre to catch up and chat.
Our goal is to keep prices as low as possible. That means we won't be catering lunch. Instead, you can look forward to extra-long lunch breaks you can use to explore all of the great food options around the venue.
John Reese
2018.northbaypython.org/schedule/presentation/23
Python includes a concrete syntax tree (CST) in the standard library, useful for mass refactoring code bases of all sizes. I'll walk through the differences between abstract and concrete syntax trees (AST and CST), why a CST is useful for refactoring, and how you can build basic refactoring tools on top of a CST to modify your entire code base quickly and safely. Lastly, I'll demonstrate what's possible with these tools, including upgrading code to new interfaces, or wholesale movement of code between modules. This talk assumes a basic understanding of how Python works, but will otherwise provide enough context to be useful to those who haven't previously worked with syntax trees.
A Python conference north of the Golden Gate
North Bay Python is a single-track conference with a carefully curated set of talks representing the diverse Python community and their different areas of interest.
If a topic is less to your interest, or you've met some people you really want to sit down and chat with, we'll have plenty of areas away from the main theatre to catch up and chat.
Our goal is to keep prices as low as possible. That means we won't be catering lunch. Instead, you can look forward to extra-long lunch breaks you can use to explore all of the great food options around the venue.
