Python 3.8.6 for Windows: A Bugfix Release with New Features

Python 3.8.6 is a bugfix release in the legacy 3.8 series, aimed at resolving issues and improving performance. Released on October 24, 2020, this maintenance update builds upon the major features introduced in the 3.8 series, which were designed to enhance the language's capabilities and user experience.

One of the notable changes in Python 3.8.6 is the default asyncio event loop, which is now set to ProactorEventLoop on Windows. This modification improves the performance and efficiency of I/O-bound tasks. Additionally, the `continue` statement can now be used in finally blocks, providing developers with more flexibility when working with loops.

F-strings have also received an update, allowing users to include a handy `= specifier for debugging purposes. Debug builds are now designed to share the same ABI (Application Binary Interface) as release builds, which simplifies the development process and reduces the likelihood of errors.

The new Parallel filesystem cache for compiled bytecode enables faster startup times and improved performance when working with large codebases. This feature is particularly useful for developers who frequently work on projects with extensive dependencies.

In terms of typing-related features, Python 3.8.6 includes support for PEP 591 (Final qualifier), PEP 586 (Literal types), and PEP 589 (TypedDict). These improvements aim to provide a more robust and reliable way of defining type hints, making it easier to catch errors at compile-time rather than runtime.

Other notable features in Python 3.8.6 include:

* Pickle protocol 5 with out-of-band data, which enhances the language's serialization capabilities

* Vectorcall: a fast calling protocol for CPython, designed to improve performance when working with C extensions

* Improved embedding through Python Initialization Configuration (PEP 587)

The 3.8 series of Python has now been replaced by the latest feature release series, Python 3.11. However, bugfix releases like Python 3.8.6 will continue to receive updates and support for an extended period.

For Windows users, you can download StartAllBack 3.6.8, which includes all the features mentioned above, as well as other improvements and bug fixes.

StartAllBack 3.6.8 for windows download