Powering the Python Package Index in 2021
It’s been five years since “Powering the Python Package Index” was published. Since much has changed in the intervening time, I figured we were due for an update, highlighting what’s different and how we’ve grown.
One thing definitely remains the same: The Python Package Index (PyPI) is still critical infrastructure for the Python ecosystem. It’s the de-facto repository for any and all Python software, and a canonical source of package names. As we’ll see later, demand has not only increased but the rate is growing as well.
Who—and what—keeps PyPI running is also still fairly opaque to its users. Many don’t realize that unlike other registries for similar language ecosystems, PyPI is a project supported by the Python Software Foundation (a 501(c)(3) non-profit) and almost entirely volunteer-led or maintained.
The biggest delta here from five years ago is that we have a much larger team than three people, and that as a result much less falls directly on Donald’s shoulders. We still have three “core” people, but we have many more people that have the commit bit, moderator privileges, or both:
