Python's proposal PEP 751 aims to establish a universal lock file format to ensure installation reproducibility across projects by outlining dependencies in a machine-generated and human-readable manner. Currently, there is no single standard for creating an immutable lock file that captures both direct and indirect dependencies within Python virtual environments. The absence of compatibility among existing tools, such as PDM and Poetry, complicates the ecosystem, increasing the burden on users to choose incompatible formats, which can hinder ease of use and switching between tools for dependency management.
Currently, no standard exists to create an immutable record, such as a lock file, that specifies what direct and indirect dependencies should be installed into a Python virtual environment.
PEP 751, accepted March 31, aims to create a new file format for specifying dependencies that is machine-generated and human-readable.
By not having compatibility and interoperability it fractures tooling around lock files where both users and tools have to choose what lock file format to use upfront.
Installers consuming the file should be able to calculate what to install without needing dependency resolution at install-time, according to the proposal.
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