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This week, we explore The Law of PEP 8 Complaints for better code style, test your knowledge with a quiz on Python 3.14 error messages, and take a "taste test" of new language features. Our complex mission challenges you to use a pathfinding algorithm (like Dijkstra’s) to find the minimum delivery time for a robot on a grid with special teleporting boxes.

💡TIP

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🏁 MISSION

Express Delivery by bryukh -

This coding task involves minimum-time pathfinding for a robot, Stephan, to deliver cargo from a start ('S') to an end ('E') on a grid map with obstacles ('W'). The core mechanic is a system of teleporting boxes ('B'): placing cargo in one allows instant retrieval from any other. The solution must use a pathfinding algorithm (like Dijkstra's) to find the fastest route, accounting for the non-uniform time costs: 2 minutes for a loaded move, 1 minute for an unloaded move, and 1 minute for loading/unloading at a box. The state space for the algorithm must track both the robot's location and whether it is carrying the cargo.

checkio(["S...","....","B.WB","..WE"]) == "RRRDDD"
checkio(["S...","....","B..B","..WE"]) == "DDBRRRBD"

📖 ARTICLES

Python Violates PEP 8 -

PEP 8 outlines the preferred coding style for Python. It often gets wielded as a cudgel in online conversations. This post talks about what PEP 8 says and where it often gets ignored.

What is "good taste" in software engineering? -

This opinion piece talks about the difference between skill and taste when writing software. What “clean code” means to one may not be the same as to others.

Python 3.14 Preview: Better Syntax Error Messages Quiz -

This quiz helps you get familiar with the upgraded error messages in Python 3.14. You’ll review new keyword typo suggestions, improved math errors, string prefix feedback, and more.

👩‍💻CODE SHOT

What do you think the following code does?

def checkio(values: set, one: int) -> int:
    
    return min(values, key=lambda k: (abs(k-one), k))

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