Python is an interpreted language; When a program is run, the python interpreter is first parsing your code and checking for any syntax errors, then it is translating the source code into a series of bytecode instructions; these bytecode instructions are then run by the python interpreter. This text is explaining some of the features of the python bytecode.
The byte code deals with two entities, a memory store that keeps functions and data items, and a stack used for evaluating expression (the stack is maintained separately per each function object) The python interpreter works as a stack machine when it evaluates the bytecode instructions. This means that values are moved from a main memory store to the stack, where the expression is evaluated, then the result is moved back to the main memory store.
You can examine the Python bytecode of a function by means of a dissassembler, as part of the python standard library you have the dis package, that can show you the bytecode of a python function.
I have written a disassembler that is producing a combined listing for a given python function, this means that you have a line of the python source code, followed by the python bytecode instructions that this source line translates into; I hope that this combined listing will make it much easier to comprehend the meaning of each lineof code and how it translates into the byte code instructions.
Adafruit publishes a wide range of writing and video content, including interviews and reporting on the maker market and the wider technology world. Our standards page is intended as a guide to best practices that Adafruit uses, as well as an outline of the ethical standards Adafruit aspires to. While Adafruit is not an independent journalistic institution, Adafruit strives to be a fair, informative, and positive voice within the community – check it out here: adafruit.com/editorialstandards
Stop breadboarding and soldering – start making immediately! Adafruit’s Circuit Playground is jam-packed with LEDs, sensors, buttons, alligator clip pads and more. Build projects with Circuit Playground in a few minutes with the drag-and-drop MakeCode programming site, learn computer science using the CS Discoveries class on code.org, jump into CircuitPython to learn Python and hardware together, TinyGO, or even use the Arduino IDE. Circuit Playground Express is the newest and best Circuit Playground board, with support for CircuitPython, MakeCode, and Arduino. It has a powerful processor, 10 NeoPixels, mini speaker, InfraRed receive and transmit, two buttons, a switch, 14 alligator clip pads, and lots of sensors: capacitive touch, IR proximity, temperature, light, motion and sound. A whole wide world of electronics and coding is waiting for you, and it fits in the palm of your hand.
Have an amazing project to share? The Electronics Show and Tell is every Wednesday at 7pm ET! To join, head over to YouTube and check out the show’s live chat – we’ll post the link there.
