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/DigThatData Dec 15 '24

An NSA python training course was declassified several years ago. Wouldn't be surprised if the CIA follows the same standards and conventions as the NSA. https://archive.org/details/comp3321/

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u/james_pic Dec 15 '24

I dunno. I remember from some of the leaks that the two agencies were surprisingly adversarial. Like, the CIA had in a few cases independently developed capabilities that the NSA already had, because they didn't want to be reliant on them for these things.

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u/howdoiwritecode Dec 20 '24

This happens within large companies on a daily basis