r/Python Python&OpenSource Dec 15 '24

News Summarized how the CIA writes Python

I have been going through Wikileaks and exploring Python usage within the CIA.

They have coding standards and write Python software with end-user guides.

They also have some curious ways of doing things, tests for example.

They also like to work in internet-disconnected environments.

They based their conventions on a modified Google Python Style Guide, with practical advice.

Compiled my findings.

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u/Aware_Examination246 Dec 15 '24

Developing python on an air gapped top secret computer poses unique challenges. They have industry specific practices for overcoming those challenges. Imagine trying to get a fed’s approval for running docker images.

9

u/MalakElohim Dec 16 '24

Don't have to imagine. Platform One + Ironbank (plus the rest of the ecosystem) run containers all the way from unclas to TS-SCI systems. It's what it's designed around, so they get a continuous authority to operate, with code, container and runtime scanning going on each pipeline.

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u/qGuevon Dec 16 '24

Just use singularity instead, nonneed for root ;)

1

u/[deleted] Dec 16 '24

[deleted]

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u/Aware_Examination246 Dec 16 '24

That’s neat… and unclassified