Python Anti-Patterns Checklist

A reference checklist of common mistakes and anti-patterns in Python code. Review this before finalizing implementations to catch issues early.

When to Use This Skill

• Reviewing code before merge
• Debugging mysterious issues
• Refactoring legacy code

Note: This skill focuses on what to avoid. For guidance on positive patterns and architecture, see the python-design-patterns skill.

Infrastructure Anti-Patterns

Scattered Timeout/Retry Logic

# BAD: Timeout logic duplicated everywhere
def fetch_user(user_id):