Advanced Python Programming - Second Edition

Chapter 15: The Global Interpreter Lock

One of the major players in Python concurrent programming is the Global Interpreter Lock (GIL). In this chapter, we will cover a definition and the purposes of the GIL and how it affects concurrent Python applications. The problems that the GIL poses for Python concurrent systems and the controversy around its implementation will also be discussed. Finally, we will mention some thoughts on how Python programmers and developers should think about, and interact with, the GIL.

The following topics will be covered in this chapter:

• Introducing the GIL
• The potential removal of the GIL from Python
• Working with the GIL

While our discussions in this chapter will mostly be theoretical, we will be able to gain ...