---
trigger: model_decision
description: Python best practices and patterns for modern software development with Flask and SQLite
globs: **/*.py,**/**.py,tests/**/*.py
---

# Python Best Practices

## Project Structure
- Use src-layout with `src/your_package_name/`
- Place tests in `tests/` directory parallel to `src/`
- Keep configuration in `config/` or as environment variables
- Store requirements in `requirements.txt` or `pyproject.toml`
- Place static files in `static/` directory
- Use `templates/` for Jinja2 templates

## Code Style
- Follow Black code formatting
- Use isort for import sorting
- Follow PEP 8 naming conventions:
  - snake_case for functions and variables
  - PascalCase for classes
  - UPPER_CASE for constants
- Maximum line length of 88 characters (Black default)
- Use absolute imports over relative imports

## Type Hints
- Use type hints for all function parameters and returns
- Import types from `typing` module
- Use `Optional[Type]` instead of `Type | None`
- Use `TypeVar` for generic types
- Define custom types in `types.py`
- Use `Protocol` for duck typing

## Flask Structure
- Use Flask factory pattern
- Organize routes using Blueprints
- Use Flask-SQLAlchemy for database
- Implement proper error handlers
- Use Flask-Login for authentication
- Structure views with proper separation of concerns

## API Design
- Use Flask-RESTful for REST APIs
- Implement proper request validation
- Use proper HTTP status codes
- Handle errors consistently
- Use proper response formats
- Implement proper rate limiting

## Testing
- Use pytest for testing
- Write tests for all routes
- Use pytest-cov for coverage
- Implement proper fixtures
- Use proper mocking with pytest-mock
- Test all error scenarios

## Security
- Use HTTPS in production
- Implement proper CORS
- Sanitize all user inputs
- Use proper session configuration
- Implement proper logging
- Follow OWASP guidelines

## Performance
- Use proper caching with Flask-Caching
- Implement database query optimization
- Use proper connection pooling
- Implement proper pagination
- Use background tasks for heavy operations
- Monitor application performance

## Error Handling
- Create custom exception classes
- Use proper try-except blocks
- Implement proper logging
- Return proper error responses
- Handle edge cases properly
- Use proper error messages

## Documentation
- Use Google-style docstrings
- Document all public APIs
- Keep README.md updated
- Use proper inline comments
- Generate API documentation
- Document environment setup

## Development Workflow
- Use virtual environments with poetry (venv)
- Implement pre-commit hooks
- Use proper Git workflow
- Follow semantic versioning
- Use proper CI/CD practices
- Implement proper logging

## Dependencies
- Pin dependency versions
- Use requirements.txt for production
- Separate dev dependencies
- Use proper package versions
- Regularly update dependencies
- Check for security vulnerabilities